Although it will impinge on the consciousness of few, the appointment of the next UK ambassador to the US is growing into a crisis. It would not do for the involvement of Peter Mandelson in anything to pass without some controversy, but the difficulties emerging around his scheduled departure to Washington encapsulate the challenges of the second Trump presidency for the UK.
Heads of state tend not to veto ambassadorial appointments, especially not those proposed by countries with which they are supposed to have a “special relationship”. It was taken as a joke when Trump nominated his own UK ambassador – Nigel Farage – in 2016 but he went on effectively to end the ambassadorship of the person who was.
He may now be about to prevent the appointment of another: Trump is said to be threatening to block Mandelson’s appointment unless restrictions are placed on his activities.
