It’s not the best start for the UK’s new Ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson, who has been NFI’d to Trump’s inauguration next week, according to top scoop hunter Andrew Pierce. The UK will instead be represented by outgoing Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce…
Government sources are citing protocol over the decision on who represents the UK – but the incoming Ambassador would usually be given a seat. It’s going to be a tough round of parties and receptions for Mandelson too, if he manages to get to DC, as they are populated by big beasts like Farage, and Trump allies such as Chris LaCivita, who called Mandelson a “moron” who should “stay home”. Wait until you hear what Trump’s team call him in private…
Andy Haldane, Burnham’s recent adviser on the economy who has not taken up a No10 job, told Andrew Marr on LBC:
“The market now suspects that this is a traditional tax-and-spend socialist government with better TikTok videos…
imposing windfall taxes on oil & gas or on banks or upping capital gains tax would […] repeat the mistake that Rachel made […] The Achilles heel, the fiscal Achilles heel of this government thus far has been its unwillingness and/or inability to cut public spending.”