Trump considers rejecting Mandelson's appointment

President-elect could rebuff nomination for US ambassador in unusual move, reports David Maddox in Washington DC

- David Maddox

Donald Trump is considering rejecting Sir Keir Starmer's nominee for UK ambassador to the US in what would be an extremely rare move.

Sources within the Trump team have told The Independent that it is still not certain Peter Mandelson's credentials will be accepted by Mr Trump after he becomes president.

While the threat of rejecting Lord Mandelson could be sabre rattling, strains between the Labour government and the incoming administration are being blamed. However, there also are concerns about Lord Mandelson’s perceived links to China.

Labour has told the Trump transition team that “it is a huge compliment” that Sir Keir wants to send such a senior Labour figure, but a source noted: “We are not buying that.”

It was noted that Lord Mandelson did not attend the preinauguration party on Friday hosted by Nigel Farage in Washington DC, even though he had been invited in an effort to help build bridges with key members of the Trump team. The outgoing UK ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, who has impressed the transition team, was there.

For an ambassadorial nominee to formally take up their role, the head of state of the country they have been sent to has to accept the “letters of credence”.