Keir Starmer needs to drop feud with Elon Musk NOW – & Farage offers the perfect gateway to do so, says Peter Mandelson

SIR Keir Starmer should end his "feud" with Elon Musk and embrace the billionaire's expertise, Britain's frontrunner to be US Ambassador admitted today.

In an extraordinary intervention, Labour grandee Lord Peter Mandelson insisted the PM should also let Nigel Farage help build bridges between the UK government, Donald Trump and Republican advisors.

But speaking from the G20 Summit in Rio de Janiero, Sir Keir appeared to slap down the idea, declaring: "I make no comment about appointments."

He added: "The US is an important relationship for us.

"I've spent time with President-elect Trump and I think that's right in terms of building the relationship as we go forward."

On the Times Radio podcast How To Win An Election, the ex-cabinet minister said: "It would be unwise, in my view, for Britain to ignore Elon Musk.

"You cannot pursue these feuds.

"You can't afford to do it.

"We should try and kick it into touch as soon as possible."

Since Trump's sweeping victory this month, the Reform Leader on multiple occasions has offered to help Labour improve its fractured relationship with the incoming US President.

But ministers snootily dismissed the offer, with Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, even telling Mr Farage: “I think we’ll have our own relationships.”

Lord Mandelson added: "You can't ignore Nigel.

"He's an elected MP, a public figure and a bridgehead both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others."

The Labour grandee is among a handful of names being weighed up to replace Dame Karen Pierce as Britain's top diplomat in Washington.

Dame Karen's posting is set to expire in January 2025 - but could be extended if the PM chooses.

Alongside Lord Mandelson, Baroness Valorie Amos, diplomat Cathy Ashton and David Miliband are being considered for the top job.