Mandelson is a veteran political operator who helped transform Britain’s center-left Labour movement in the 1990s as it returned from the political wilderness. He twice resigned under a cloud from Blair’s governments — but made a striking frontline comeback in the dying days of Gordon Brown’s administration.
A fierce critic of Brexit, Mandelson served as European commissioner for trade for a four-year stint in the 2000s, and currently has a seat in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of the British parliament.
The same official referenced above said Mandelson had a “proven track record” on business matters and would be crucial as the U.K. tries to shore up its trading relationship with the U.S. and boost economic growth.
There had been discussion in No. 10 Downing Street about handing the role, currently occupied by Karen Pierce, to former Labour Foreign Secretary David Miliband, had Kamala Harris triumphed in the U.S. election instead of Trump.
Another person with knowledge of the appointment talked Mandelson up as a big character able to make an impact with Trump.
Crucial issues likely to be in his in-tray include trying to shore up U.S. support for Ukraine under a Trump administration and ensuring the U.K. economy isn’t hammered by import tariffs threatened by the incoming president-elect.