DIPLOMACY is tough. You need people who get on perfectly with their hosts while always putting your interests first. People who can fit in anywhere. People like Peter Mandelson.

Yes, while I may find some aspects of government a struggle, I’m excellent at selecting staff. Just ask Sue Gray. And I knew finding a character who could schmooze the Trump administration was crucial.

That’s when I remembered Mandy, and crucially his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a former powerbroker who was also very close to one Donald Trump. ‘Keir,’ I said to myself, ‘you’re a genius.’

Yes, a tricky moment in transatlantic relations would depend on a man with no diplomatic experience, a man better known as ‘The Prince of Darkness’ and the author of several memorable resignation letters. But the Epst

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