Mandelson's ambassador job will not be blocked, Trump ally predicts

Donald Trump will not block the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the US, according to a London-based ally of the president-elect, as ministers brace for a turbulent four years in British-American relations.

- Kiran Stacey

Greg Swenson, the head of the UK branch of Republicans Overseas, told the BBC yesterday he did not believe Trump would prevent the Labour peer from taking up his post in Washington, despite reports to the contrary.

Trump allies told British newspapers over the weekend that the incoming president was prepared to veto Lord Mandelson's appointment in part because of his links to China. Swenson denied this was the case but ministers say the controversy is a sign of what are likely to be bumpy years with Trump in the White House.

"I didn't think [Mandelson] was the right pick, but he is the pick," Swenson told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. "There is a political difference, obviously, with Labour and the government in the UK and the Republicans coming back in the US."

But he added: "There's a moment, I think, where there has to be some reaching out and kiss and make up."