Labour peer called Donald Trump a ‘bully’ in 2018 article and said he was too hostile towards China on trade policy

Peter Mandelson’s position as the frontrunner to be British ambassador to the US has been questioned after it emerged he criticised Donald Trump for being a “bully” and too hostile towards China on trade policy.

Critics of Beijing raised concerns over the suitability of the Labour peer to take on the job given his repeated defence of engagement with China, while Trump’s administration is hawkish towards the rival trading power.