Peter Mandelson, our man in Washington: an 'absolute moron' or ruthlessly effective 'prince of darkness'?
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“Absolute moron” or ruthlessly effective “prince of darkness”? It’s safe to say that our new man in Washington divides opinion — almost as much as the president to whom he’ll be paying court. There’s never an easy time to take on the most coveted job in the diplomatic circuit. But with Donald Trump’s inauguration to a second White House term, Peter Mandelson is becoming the UK ambassador to the United States at a particularly dicey moment.
It would be enough to tax the most seasoned emissary. But the 71-year-old Labour peer is hardly a diplomat, by training or temperament, as he starts a remarkable new chapter of his long and chequered career. It’s a nakedly political appointment by Sir Keir Starmer, who is taking a novel approach to engagement with the most unorthodox of US presidents: less glad-handing over platters of Ferrero Rocher, more fox-like cunning to further the “special relationship” with our most important ally and single largest trading partner.
Former World Trade Organisation (WTO) chief Pascal Lamy is among Lord Mandelson’s admirers. The Frenchman, who preceded him as EU trade commissioner, notes the controversy that has often dogged the Labour politician, observing that he’s an arch-networker who likes money and to party with the well-heeled.
