who is peter mandelson

Peter Mandelson, Baron Mandelson (born October 21, 1953), is a British politician, lobbyist, and diplomat affiliated with the Labour Party. He served as a Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004 and held several prominent Cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Business Secretary, and First Secretary of State. Mandelson was a key architect of the New Labour rebranding that helped secure Labour's victory in 1997, earning him a reputation as a skilled political strategist and spin doctor, often nicknamed the "Prince of Darkness." He was also European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008 and was elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer in 2008. In 2025, Mandelson served as the British Ambassador to the United States under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but was dismissed amid controversy about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson is known for his significant influence on Labour Party politics and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, though his career has also been marked by several controversies and resignations. He co-founded the lobbying firm Global Counsel and remains an influential figure within Labour politics.