Peter Mandelson Named UK Ambassador to the US in Rare Political Appointment

The former Labour minister will assume the post following Donald Trump's inauguration, marking the first political appointment to the role in 50 years.

Peter Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician and former EU trade commissioner, has been selected as the UK's next ambassador to the US by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This marks the first political appointment to the role in half a century, a position traditionally held by career diplomats or civil servants.
Mandelson is set to take over from current ambassador Karen Pierce, who will remain in her role through Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration for his second term as US president.
Mandelson's trade expertise, particularly from his time as EU trade commissioner, is seen as key to navigating potential US-UK trade negotiations under the Trump administration, which has signaled plans for sweeping tariffs.
The appointment reflects Starmer's confidence in Mandelson's ability to manage the challenges of a post-Brexit UK-US relationship and negotiate with a protectionist US administration.

The Telegraph