Nigel Farage has all but ruled himself out of consideration for the role of UK ambassador to the US under Labour – and raised eyebrows by instead suggesting arch-Remainer Peter Mandelson might be better suited to the pivotal post.
However, Mr Farage does believe he could play a vital part in fostering stronger ties between incoming President Donald Trump’s team and the Government of Sir Keir Starmer, especially as he is personally acquainted with several key figures who may join the billionaire New Yorker’s administration for his second term in Office.
Speaking on GB News from Palm Beach yesterday, Mr Farage reflected on his experience at Mr Trump’s recent event, saying: “I’m not going to be an ambassador under a Labour government – that’s out of the question. And my priority is my role as MP for Clacton. But if I can play a constructive role, I’m more than willing.
“Peter Mandelson, in my view, could be a viable candidate for the ambassadorial role. He’s an intelligent figure who knows his brief well, as I saw when he worked with the European Commission.
“While I’m not certain he’s the ideal fit for dealing with Trump directly, his intellect would at least command respect.”
The MP for Clacton also described the mood as excitement built in the Trump camp on Tuesday evening.
He said: “When I was on this show yesterday, I mentioned feeling very optimistic about Trump’s chances – and I was right.
“It was extraordinary being in that ballroom last night. Trump was there, surrounded by family and close friends; Elon Musk was also highly visible. Things began with a cautious optimism – I was the one feeling bullish – but as the evening went on, the atmosphere turned truly celebratory.
“Trump himself was remarkably calm, almost detached, watching the results. Whatever people think of him, he’s undeniably resilient. I spoke briefly to him last night and sent a message today. He’s likely taking it easy now, given that on Monday alone, he held six rallies, speaking for hours on end. The physical demands he’s put himself through are almost superhuman, with his younger aides struggling to keep pace.”
Mr Farage stressed that the UK government must address its strained ties with the US and act quickly on negotiations to mitigate potential trade challenges, including the threat of higher tariffs under Trump’s administration.
He said: “It’s encouraging that Sir Lindsay Hoyle has expressed interest in welcoming Trump to address Parliament when he visits next year. But we need to engage with Trump’s transition team as soon as his key appointments are made.
“I will probably know several people in his cabinet personally, so if I can help bridge the gaps, I’ll certainly try. The political differences between Trump and Labour are stark – Ed Miliband’s green policies versus Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ agenda, to name just one – but there are essential issues we must find common ground on: intelligence sharing, defence, trade, and investment. The UK and US are each other’s largest foreign investors, so it’s imperative for both nations’ interests that these issues are resolved.”
Mr Farage also criticised past Conservative government decisions that, he claims, left the UK without effective representation in Washington during Mr Trump’s previous administration.
He also voiced his concerns over Labour’s foreign policy direction, particularly in light of America’s concerns about Labour’s stance towards China and defence strategy.
He warned: “Having spoken with figures in the US military and others close to Trump’s team, it’s clear there are serious worries about a Labour government moving further left, seemingly distancing itself from America while growing closer to China.
“It’s a sensitive topic, and one that’s important for both the UK and US given strategic assets like Diego Garcia, which has been crucial for US operations in the region.
“The Gulf and Iraq wars would have been difficult without Diego Garcia, and as the US has limited strategic assets in the area, this is likely to be a point of focus in US-UK discussions moving forward.”
