Trump expected to decide Mandelson's fate this week

Donald Trump is expected to make a decision this week over Peter Mandelson's nomination to be the UK's ambassador to the US, State Department sources have said.

- DAVID MADDOX

The president is still "likely to reject" the credentials of the former business secretary, The Independent has been told, despite hopes being raised after Mr Trump said he likes Sir Keir Starmer “a lot”.

Concerns over Lord Mandelson’s links to China, his connection with the late Jeffrey Epstein, and his previous role as an EU commissioner have all been raised as reasons why Mr Trump could reject him in what would be an unprecedented move.

He may, however, allow the former minister to take up his post but with conditions and “on a short leash”, sources added.

The revelation comes after Sir Keir and President Trump finally spoke after almost a week since the inauguration. The readout did not mention Lord Mandelson but the president did offer his condolences to the prime minister for the loss of his brother last month. Sir Keir congratulated Mr Trump on his inauguration and involvement in getting a peace deal between Israel and Gaza.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “They also discussed trade and the economy, with the prime minister, setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth.