Morgan McSweeney.

 On Tuesday Morgan McSweeney, was before the Foreign Affairs select committee in the House of Commons, chaired by Emily Thornberry. He gave a good account of himself and was poised, confident and articulate. He made it quite explicit that had Kamala Harris, won the presidency in November 2024, then Peter Mandelson, would never have been the ambassador to the United States. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and we are now where we are. McSweeney, expressed regret in recommending him for this important role. Mandelson was a political appointment, with a known controversial political history, but at the time it was thought to be a good idea. The format of the select committee, doesn’t allow for consistent interrogation of a person and moreover allows for - grandstanding and a lack of forensic investigation. Nevertheless it was necessary to have McSweeney - as the recently resigned head of staff to the prime minister Keir Starmer, before the committee. It only adds pressure on Starmer, for his gross lack of political judgment in wanting Mandelson, as his ambassador in Washington.