Peter Mandelson appointed as UK ambassador to US

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The British government has officially named Peter Mandelson as the next ambassador to the US.

The announcement, made late Friday, confirms Mandelson’s return to the international stage, marking a significant chapter in the seasoned Labour politician’s storied and often controversial career.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Mandelson’s extensive experience in diplomacy and politics, emphasizing his ability to strengthen the transatlantic relationship.

"Peter brings unrivaled experience to this vital role," Starmer said in a statement. "I am confident he will take the UK-US partnership from strength to strength.”

Mandelson, who is expected to assume the role early next year, expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the post.

"It is a great honor to serve the country in this way," he said. “We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities, and it will be a privilege to work with the government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation’s security, and to advance our historic alliance with the US."

Mandelson’s career has been punctuated by scandals. He resigned twice from Blair’s government amid controversies, only to stage a notable comeback under Gordon Brown’s administration.

Momentum, the left-wing Labour group, has condemned Starmer’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, describing it as further evidence of the party’s “moral bankruptcy” under his leadership.

In a social media post, the group stated: "Keir Starmer has appointed Peter Mandelson—linked to Jeffrey Epstein and associated with the most controversial aspects of New Labour—as the UK’s ambassador to the US.

"This decision demonstrates once again the moral bankruptcy and political ineptitude that has characterized Starmer’s leadership to date," he added.