Former EU trade chief might lead UK embassy in Washington - here's the catch
UK-US diplomatic shake-up looms as **Lord Mandelson** emerges as top pick for ambassador role. His past EU connections and vision for a tech-focused partnership raise questions about Trumpʼs potential response
The UK-US diplomatic scene faces a shake-up as Lord Mandelson leads the race to become Britainʼs next ambassador in Washington (while Dame Karen Pierceʼs role gets extended due to the upcoming Trump administration)
Iʼm actually more interested in a new relationship rather than a special one
The ex-EU trade commissioner wants to move past the traditional UK-US bond focusing instead on a tech-driven partnership: his vision includes a digital-economic deal thats different from old-school trade agreements. The proposed plan would connect both nations through clicks-and-portals rather than bricks-and-mortar trade
However there are some road-blocks ahead:
- Trumps team has doubts about Mandelsons EU background
- Sir Tim Barrow was Sunaks first choice
- Ed Miliband and Baroness Amos are also in the running
The situation got more complex when Nigel Farage - Trumps ally tried to position himself as a go-between. Treasury minister Darren Jones dismissed this idea suggesting Farage should focus on his Clacton duties instead of US affairs
Mandelsons plan includes EU cooperation in trade policies - a move that might not sit well with the next US administration. His previous role as European Trade Commissioner (back in mid-2000s) raises questions about whose interests heʼd represent in Washington
