Mandelson's Return to Frontline Politics Marred by Blair-Brown Rift

The return to frontline politics of former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson was marked by claims that he accepted his new job as European Commissioner for trade despite Tony Blair's reservations. The two old friends were said to have engaged in a two-day argument over Mandelson's possible return to Cabinet office, with Blair reportedly wanting him to remain on the backbenches until after the next election. However, Mandelson was reportedly not prepared to wait and was persuaded by other senior Labour figures, including Education Secretary Charles Clarke, to take up the Brussels post.

Key Takeaways:

• Peter Mandelson accepted his new job as European Commissioner for trade despite claims that Tony Blair did not want him to return to frontline politics.
• The decision to take up the Brussels post was reportedly influenced by Mandelson's concerns that his enemies in the Labour Party could conspire to prevent any return to the Cabinet.
• The disagreement between Blair and Mandelson is thought to have lasted two days and forced the PM to postpone a planned Cabinet reshuffle.
• Senior figures, including Education Secretary Charles Clarke, intervened to persuade Mandelson to remain in London, but ultimately failed to dissuade him from taking up the Brussels post.
• The appointment creates new potential for conflict between Mandelson and Gordon Brown, who has never forgiven Mandelson for backing Blair for the party leadership.
• Mandelson's job comes with a £195,000-a-year salary and he will be promoting the interests of the EU as a whole, rather than simply those of Britain.
• The appointment raises questions about Mandelson's loyalties and whether he will be acting in the best interests of the UK as a trade commissioner.

Statistics:

• £195,000: The annual salary of Peter Mandelson's European Commissioner for trade role.
• 2 days: The duration of the argument between Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson over his return to frontline politics.
• 6 years: The minimum period of time that Mandelson will serve as European Commissioner for trade, following the standard 5-year term of office plus a 1-year transition period.

Sources:

• Westminster insiders ( exact reference not provided)
• A senior Labour source
• A Treasury source
• The Telegraph ( exact reference not provided)