Reports surfaced on Sunday in various newspapers suggesting that the Trump administration might be considering withholding approval for Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the UK
ambassador to the United States.
Despite these speculations, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones expressed confidence that Lord Mandelson’s nomination would ultimately receive approval from President Donald Trump’s team. Speaking to the BBC on Sunday, Mr. Jones defended the Labour grandee's selection, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach.
“Peter Mandelson was chosen because we want to do things differently,” Mr. Jones stated during an interview on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
President Trump is set to begin his second term in office on Monday, with outgoing ambassador Dame Karen Pierce expected to represent the UK Government at the inauguration ceremony.
When asked if he believed the Trump administration would accept Lord Mandelson’s appointment, Mr. Jones responded confidently:
“For the first time in, I think, maybe 50 years, a British Prime Minister has chosen a politician to be the ambassador in DC. I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration.”
Highlighting the significance of the UK-US relationship, Mr. Jones praised the work of Dame Karen Pierce but reiterated that Lord Mandelson’s political expertise was central to his selection.
“We have brilliant diplomats, and Karen Pierce has done a fantastic job, but the Prime Minister’s decision to pick Peter Mandelson reflects a desire to approach things differently,” he said.
Mr. Jones pointed to opportunities for collaboration between the two nations in key areas such as trade, technology, finance, defense, and security, stressing the need for a strong partnership with the incoming administration.
“I think Peter Mandelson will be a brilliant ambassador for us and will form a very strong partnership with the new administration,” he concluded. Photo by © European Union, 2025, Wikimedia commons.