Peter Mandelson: Why was He even Considered?

The idea of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States is like recommending a fox to manage a chicken coop. It’s absurd and even insulting that anyone could seriously propose it. Mr Mandelson’s career is a string of scandals and self-promotion, held together a remarkable capacity to avoid consequences. Putting him in Washington would not only embarrass Britain but also confirm that our political elite has no shame.

Let’s start with the basics. Mr Mandelson twice resigned from government in disgrace, once for taking a dodgy loan to buy a house, and again for his involvement in the Hinduja passport scandal. Somehow, this didn’t end his career, but launched him into the European Union, where he played a key role in making Brussels even less popular with ordinary people. He’s spent his life at the centre of the establishment, doing favours for the rich and powerful while ordinary taxpayers foot the bill.

And now he might become our man in Washington? Diplomacy is supposed to require tact and the ability to serve your country without getting caught in personal controversies. These are not qualities anyone associates with Mr Mandelson.

Washington is one of the most important diplomatic postings in the world. It requires someone who can command respect and represent Britain’s interests with honesty and authority. Mr Mandelson, however, would bring only his usual baggage: rumours of shady deals, a reputation for self-interest, and an air of smug superiority. Imagine the Americans trying to take him seriously. They’d probably just laugh.

What would he actually do in Washington? Represent Britain, or himself? His history suggests the latter. He’s an expert at using public roles to build private opportunities. That’s what we’d be sending to America: not a diplomat, but a professional networker with a dubious moral compass.

Appointing Mr Mandelson wouldn’t just be bad for Britain’s reputation abroad. It would also show just how broken things are at home. Here is a man who embodies everything wrong with our political system: the revolving door between government and business, the cosy relationships with billionaires, and the complete lack of accountability. Giving him this job would be like saying none of that matters any more.

And maybe it doesn’t, at least to the people making these decisions. For them, politics is just a game, and Mr Mandelson is a star player. But for the rest of us, it’s insulting. Why should someone with his record of scandal be rewarded with a top job? What message does that send to the public?

Mr Mandelson doesn’t belong in Washington. He belongs as far away from public office as possible. This isn’t a question of politics or ideology; it’s a matter of basic decency. Britain deserves better. We need ambassadors who actually represent the best of our country, not the worst of its political class.

If the government has any sense, it will rethink this ludicrous idea. And if Mr Mandelson has any shame left, he’ll spare us all the embarrassment and step aside.