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Catz alumnus and Honorary Fellow Lord Peter Mandelson to be named as next UK Ambassador to the US

Lord Peter Mandelson (1973, PPE) is set to be announced as the next UK Ambassador to the US.

Lord Mandelson, former First Secretary of State and EU Commissioner, has a long career in politics and public service. Known for his strategic vision and diplomatic expertise, Mandelson has been deeply involved in British and European policymaking.

From 1985 to 1990, Lord Mandelson served as Labour’s Director of Communications. He was elected the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hartlepool in 1992 and held the seat for 12 years. Under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown he held a number of Cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and First Secretary of State. In 2004 he became Britain’s European Commissioner, taking the trade portfolio. He subsequently became a member of the House of Lords in 2008.

Lord Mandelson is expected to take up the post in early 2025, replacing Dame Karen Pierce, whose term in Washington DC is due to conclude.

St Catherine’s College Pro-Master Professor Bart van Es said: “We are proud and delighted to hear of Peter’s appointment and know he will do an excellent job in the role.  St Catherine’s is lucky to have Lord Mandelson as an Honorary Fellow and hope, in the near future, to host him again for an event in College.”