Peter mandelson

When Labour lost the election, rising star Ed Miliband was asked whether Peter Mandelson, who had just published a headline-grabbing autobiography, could play a role in the party's future. Mandelson winced and smiled at that quip, he later wrote. But ignored the advice.

Peter mandelson partner

Fifteen years later, at the age of 71, the political veteran who helped mastermind Labour's renewal in the s and s, and was twice forced to resign from Tony Blair's government, has staged yet another comeback. The first political appointee to the role of UK ambassador to the United States in 50 years arrived in DC with a lot on his plate.

Even by American standards. But why did Sir Keir Starmer recruit him, what explains Mandelson's hunger for the job, and how does he plan to charm Team Trump? He is a brilliant operator. His new life will involve more than Congressional meetings and cocktail parties. He now oversees UK staff in the country many of whom are seconded to the Pentagon and defence bases.

This was merely a warm up for the real challenge later this month: accompanying Keir Starmer to the Oval Office to meet President Trump. My criticism of Trump was wrong, says Mandelson.