DOWNING Street yesterday rejected claims by allies of Donald Trump that Lord Peter Mandelson is an “absolute moron”.
No10 backed Britain’s incoming ambassador to the US, describing him as a “significant asset” to diplomacy.
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It came after Chris LaCivita, a top aide to Trump during his 2024 campaign, slammed Sir Keir Starmer’s choice for the UK’s top representative in Washington.
On social media Mr LaCivita told the Labour grandee he “should stay home” and praised his predecessor Dame Karen Pierce as a “professional universally respected ambassador”.
But on Monday a spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer hit back: “His appointment shows just how seriously we’re taking this relationship.
“He has got extensive foreign policy and economic policy expertise, particularly in the crucial issues of trade, business links.
“He’s got experience at the highest levels of government and it will be a significant asset in the UK’s relationship with the United States.”
Lord Mandelson, who will take up the post in early 2025, has suggested Nigel Farage, a pal of Trump, could help form a “bridge” between the Republican Party and Labour.
Asked whether the PM wants to see the Labour grandee and Reform chief band together, the Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister already started to begin to build a relationship with president-elect Trump.”
He added the pair had a “good phone call” last week and enjoyed a two-hour slap-up dinner in New York in September.