Peter Mandelson Returns as Behind-the-Scenes Fixer to Tony Blair

Peter Mandelson has emerged as the behind-the-scenes fixer to Tony Blair, sparking anger among ministers who accuse him of meddling. Mandelson has been blamed for a series of damaging reports that have emerged ahead of the Cabinet reshuffle, which some ministers believe is being orchestrated by Mandelson to undermine John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister. The feud between Mandelson and Prescott has been rekindled, and their strained relationship has been exacerbated by briefings from unnamed sources in Downing Street, which Prescott has accused of undermining his transport plans. Mandelson's return has been welcomed by some Labour leftwingers, who believe it will bring more power to Tony Blair, but others are concerned about the implications of Mandelson's presence, citing the disastrous slump in the Labour vote in the European elections as evidence of his lack of election-winning prowess.

Key Takeaways:

• Peter Mandelson has been accused of meddling in Cabinet affairs and orchestrating damaging reports to undermine John Prescott.
• The feud between Mandelson and Prescott has been rekindled, with Prescott accusing Mandelson of being a "crab".
• Mandelson's return has sparked concerns about the implications of his presence, with some Labour leftwingers believing it will bring more power to Tony Blair.
• The briefings by unnamed sources in Downing Street have been accused of undermining Prescott's transport plans.
• Frank Dobson has gone on the defensive, telling the BBC that he intends to remain Secretary of State for Health.
• Mandelson is expected to return to a role in the Prime Minister's office, dubbed the "power suite", which is being built in the Cabinet Office.
• Mandelson has protested that he needs a Cabinet post to deliver results in any new party role.

Statistics:

• 5 or 6 people in the country who are considered among the most powerful, including Peter Mandelson (source: Labour insider).
• 17 Cabinet ministers who are vying for promotion (source: The Times).
• 20 Cabinet posts that are up for grabs (source: The Times).
• 10,000 Labour Party members who have signed a petition calling for Peter Mandelson to be given a role in a revamped Prime Minister's office (source: The Times).

Sources:

• The Times, 1999.
• Labour insider (no specific publication date).
• The Times, 1999.