Number 10 steps into Mandelson post row

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

No10 tried to appease Labour MPs amid warnings that Gordon Brown should "rein in" his Business Secretary's influence over Government.

Labour backbenchers, growing numbers of whom oppose the part-privatisation plan for the post service, called on the Prime Minister to clip Lord Mandelson's wings.

When asked today about complaints that the peer had too much influence, Mr Brown's official spokesman said: "We don't have a Deputy Prime Minister. Lord Mandelson is Secretary of State for Business."

Lord Mandelson infuriated backbenchers yesterday by suggesting critics were using "scare tactics" to stymie his proposals to bring in private-sector help for the state-run postal service.

Fresh evidence of Cabinet disquiet over the plans emerged when Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman confirmed there had been "robust discussion" among senior ministers. Labour rebels were boosted by Ms Harman's reassurances that the Government will look closely at their "concerns".

But many were smarting from Lord Mandelson's latest Sunday newspaper interview in which he underlined his wish to push through the plans.

Former minister Peter Kilfoyle told the Evening Standard: "It's time for Gordon Brown and his colleagues to break the spell Peter seems to have over the higher reaches of the Government."

Geraldine Smith, whose Commons motion opposing the plan has been signed by 145 MPs, added: "The only person who's been using scare tactics and dirty tricks is Peter Mandelson."

Several MPs believe Lord Mandelson's unashamedly Blairite policies are weakening Mr Brown's support.

John Grogan, a leading rebel on the plans, said that Cabinet ministers and "people within No 10" were beginning to see the dangers of splitting the party.

Government sources have suggested Lord Mandelson wants to get his plans through Parliament before the summer recess. But Mr Grogan said the Royal Mail Bill would face serious Labour opposition at its second reading.

A recent poll showed that 65 per cent of voters opposed the plans.