Peter Mandelson Leads Race for UK Ambassador to US, Decision Expected Within Days

Nov 10, 2024, 08:39 AM

Peter Mandelson has emerged as the leading candidate to become the United Kingdom's next ambassador to the United States, according to reports by The Times. Keir Starmer is expected to decide within days whether to appoint Mandelson, David Miliband, or Cathy Ashton to the position. Mandelson, a former Labour MP and architect of New Labour, is considered to be in "pole position," with commentators noting that "the smart money is on Peter Mandelson because he's somebody that President Donald Trump will have heard of and may even respect." Mandelson himself addressed the speculation, stating, "Nobody has spoken to me about this job. I read about it in the papers." He added that he would be interested in advising on trade to whoever is appointed.