Sir Keir robustly defended Lord Mandelson (Image: Getty)
Downing Street has launched a robust defence of Lord Peter Mandelson, following a vicious attack on him by a ally.
The peer will be the next UK ambassador to the United States, replacing Dame Karen Pierce.
choice, however, went down like a lead balloon among one person close to the incoming US President.
Chris LaCivita, a top Trump aide, .
He described the government in a social media post as “special” — saying it had “replaced a professional universally respected Ambo with an absolute moron — he should stay home! SAD!”
Lord Mandelson will be the next UK ambassador to the US (Image: Getty)
However, No 10 hit back strongly, describing as a “significant asset” to diplomacy.
A spokesperson for Sir Keir said: “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.”
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The Labour peer will take up his post in early January and will be tasked with forging close links with the new Trump administration.
Relations between and the Labour Party hit rock bottom during the campaign.
Trump’s team accused Labour of “blatant foreign interference”, filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
They alleged that Labour Party activists were campaigning directly for and her running mate Tim Walz.