The former member of the Commission responsible for trade, Peter Mandelson, submitted his resignation  on October 3rd, 2008, to the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso. Mr Mandelson resignation came after his acceptance of the invitation to join the government made by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Following consultations with President Barroso, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has nominated Baroness Ashton of Upholland as successor to Mr Mandelson. President Barroso has subsequently written to the President of the Council and to the President of the European Parliament, transmitting the resignation of Mr Mandelson as a member of the European Commission, and his agreement with the nomination of Baroness Ashton of Upholland as a member of the Commission.

In the letter to the President of the Council, President Barroso asked the Council to put in place as soon as possible the procedure foreseen by the Treaty for the replacement of Mr Mandelson.

In the letter to the President of the European Parliament, President Barroso informs that following the Council's appointment and in accordance with the Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission, Baroness Ashton of Upholland will be available to appear before the Parliament, in full compliance with the prerogatives of the institutions.

Mr Mandelson's resignation will be effective as soon as Baroness Ashton of Upholland has been appointed by the Council. Until his resignation becomes effective, Mr Mandelson will continue to exercise his mandate as member of the European Commission, in the full respect of the treaties.

New Trade Commissioner Profile:  Baroness Ashton of Upholland

Catherine Margaret Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, PC, an economist by training, was until now a Labour member of the UK House of Lords, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council.

She was previously Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Education and Skills, Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Department for Constitutional Affairs, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, where her responsibilities included the trade implications of legal professions.

On June 28th, 2007, she was promoted to the Cabinet as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. In 2008, she was responsible for the successful passage of the Lisbon Treaty in the House of Lords.