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Number 10 steps into Mandelson post row
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor02.03.09
DOWNING STREET today denied that Lord Mandelson had effectively become "Deputy Prime Minister" as the row over his Royal Mail plans grew.
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.
Reader views (18)
Peter Mandelson, the great defender of the country and democracy, not elected, but anointed by his also unelected friend.
To ensure the announcement of the Royal Mail Bill received the greatest democratic appeal it has been introduced directly into that other great democratic institution, the House of Lords.
Just in case people were unsure about Lord Mandelsons’ intent, the Royal Mail has to accept his proposal of face redundancy, followed by a reduction in pension entitlements for all staff. This is not of course a threat, threats only come from those opposed to him.
- Ian, Reading, England
Mandleson a "class act" - hellfire ! The visitation of the great plague was a "class act" and equally loathsome.
- Wills, Soton
My namesake (nearly) Graeme, you think that Mandy is a "class act?" "effective"?
Either you are a comedy writer (they need your skills on TV) or you are a fully paid up member of NuLabour's Blairite wing.
Mandy is many things, but genuine Labour politician he is not. Believe me.
- Graham, Ilford Essex
Lord Mandelson is a clever and resourceful individual well capable of outwitting Gordon Brown. What I have never quite fathomed is why such a clever fellow is so lacking in diplomatic and political skills as to have been dismissed twice from office and so inept as to upset those upon whom he will rely to get his objectives secured.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK
Wrong again-"Who the .... does he think he is" quote from Mandy in the USA a couple of weeks ago.Incidentally that outburst seemed to go quiet very quickly-Mandy must have extremely powerful friends in very high places.
- Harvey Lawrence, London UK
maybe Mandy forgot to tell Gordy something.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk
Peter Mandelson is an amazingly effective politician, hugely active and hardworking. You may not agree with everything he says, but he is a class act. His role has huge importance at the moment, so it is not suprising that we are hearing a lot from him.
- Graeme, Tyne and Wear
I have said many times, Mandy will cost labour dearly at the next election, Brown and all the half wits and creeps he calls a goverment will find that people all know what mandy is up to.
- Alex, brighton
Mandelson always has an ulterior motive for his actions, usually to his own or some crony's benefit, which in turn will benefit him! The man has an agenda and will push for it whoever is supposedly "in charge".
- W A, Oxfordshire, UK
Who is this man and how is it that he wields so much power and influence ?
- Nigel Bonny, San Diego, California
Of course Peter Mandelson is not deputy prime minister, he is the de facto 'real' prime minister!
He lets Gordon Brown play at being the saviour of the world while he rules the country from the House of Lords.
- J T Davies, rhyl wales
He is trying to sell off the UK's last remaining assets, in the aim of completing the 12 year New Lab-program of auto-destruction in the name of 'globalization'. Did anyone notice that the global finance system just went bust? and 'Globalization' is going the same way.
- John Smith, london
A turtle's sitting on a river bank when he's approached by a snake - the snake asks "I wonder if you'd give me a lift across the river?" The turtle replies that he'd rather not as the snake's reputation preceeds him "I promise to be on my best behaviour" states the snake. "If you bite me, We'll both drown" says the turtle. "You have my word, I'll act like the perfect gentlesnake". The turtle reluctantly, agrees. Half way across, the snake bites the turtle on the neck. As they both sink below the surface the turtle, with his dying breath, gasps " I thought you said you'd be on your best behaviour?" "Why would you believe a word I say?" replied his passenger – "I'm a snake"...
- Jim, London
This man Mandelson upset the EU while he was there,now he is grossly upsetting the British people.What everyone has to remember is that Mandelson has the ears of certain TOP EU Members, and it is Mandelson who has privately suggested to these people about how the Pound will be put to one side and the EURO will become the UK currency.This man is VERY DANGEROUS in how he operates and the sooner people realize this the better....Mr Brown
bought him in to Govt. so as to sideline the UK people into not talking about the economic situation,but Mr Brown is now in USA with Mr Obama talking about how they can both ''save the world''when Mr Brown should be here in GB saving the millions of jobs that have been lost thru his policies and the banking situation..Both Mandelson and Brown are right for each other,but they are not right for the GB people or economy
- Arthur, LONDON
"Lord Mandelson wants to get his plans through Parliament" strikes a sour note...he has less legitimacy than Mugabe who at least offerred himself for election before taking power.
- P Doff, filey yorks
This loathsome man should be sacked, just like the government itself. Roll on the general election.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire
So no "scare tactics" were employed in securing the additional runway at Heathrow??
Mandelson's hypocrisy is mind boggling.
- Bingham Macnamara, lymington, hampshire
'Rein him in' - how about FIRE the good for nothing incompetent fool? Oh, and don't forget to strip him of his title while you're at it!
- Marianne, SW France
