Lord Mandelson says he hasn’t been approached for US ambassador role, focused on Oxford election

Lord Peter Mandelson recently talked about the rumors that he might become Britain’s next ambassador to the United States. 

Even though the growing talk, Mandelson made it clear that “nobody has spoken to me” about the job. He also said that right now, he is focused on something else—winning the election for chancellor at the University of Oxford.

On the BBC’s Sunday Morning show, Mandelson, who is a well-known Labour leader, said he would be happy to give advice on trade to the next ambassador. However, he pointed out that no one had asked him about the job.

Dame Karen Pierce, the current British ambassador to the US, will finish her term in Washington, DC, in early 2025. Many in political circles have speculated about her successor, with Mandelson’s name frequently mentioned. 

Just last week, The Guardian reported that a decision could come soon from Number 10, and Mandelson is considered one of the top contenders. Yet, he firmly dismissed the rumors during his BBC interview.

Focus on Trade, Not Ambassadorship

During the interview with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Mandelson made it clear that he is focused on other priorities. “I’m actually concentrating on and focused on something else,” he explained, referring to his candidacy for chancellor at Oxford. 

He shared that while he would be "very interested" in advising the next appointee on trade matters, he has no plans to take on the ambassadorship himself.

"I read about it in the papers," he said with a smile, “but nobody has actually spoken to me about it, so let’s put it to one side.”

Lord Mandelson also mentioned his view on the UK-US relationship. Rather than seeking a “special relationship,” he believes in a “new relationship” that could support modern trade and diplomatic needs.

Oxford Chancellorship Election

Lord Mandelson is currently one of five final candidates vying to become the next chancellor of the University of Oxford. His competitors include former Conservative leader Lord William Hague, former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Lady Eilish Angiolini, and Baroness Jan Royall, who previously led the opposition in the House of Lords.

Mandelson’s focus on the Oxford chancellorship race aligns with his deep-rooted involvement in British politics and education. Known as one of the key architects behind Labour’s 1997 election victory, he has a long history of public service and remains influential in political and educational circles.

A Potential Role in UK-US Trade

While Mandelson ruled out the role of ambassador, he didn’t close the door entirely on a future role related to UK-US trade. He expressed his enthusiasm for advising the next ambassador on trade. 

“I would be very interested indeed in giving advice about trade to whoever is appointed,” he said, adding that he sees trade as a key area for the UK and US to collaborate in the coming years.

Political Speculation Continues

Despite Mandelson’s statements, many believe he would be a strong choice for ambassador. 

His experience in international relations and trade could make him an asset for the role. But for now, Mandelson’s priority remains the chancellorship race, where he’s up against a group of experienced and respected candidates.