Re: Seen in the News
Posted: 04 Feb 2026, 02:56
See THIS article by Chris Mason on Mandelson.....
These latest revelations about Lord Mandelson leave many Labour figures seething with disappointment and boiling with betrayal. The gravity of what is alleged points to an emerging political scandal building to perhaps one of the biggest for a generation. Plenty knew Lord Mandelson was a big character, a risky pick, a man with a biography scattered with previous examples of departing high office under a cloud. As I wrote here in September, Peter Mandelson twice lost his job in the cabinet two decades ago over his dealings with rich men. Firstly, in 1998, he resigned as trade and industry secretary after a row about borrowing a third of a million pounds from a ministerial colleague. Then in 2001 he resigned as Northern Ireland secretary after a row about a passport application from an Indian billionaire. And, yes, lightning did strike a third time last year when he was given the boot, months into the job, as the UK's ambassador to the United States. The revelations of the last few days would have been significant in any context, but what has turbocharged their significance is they cannot be dismissed as historic. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police will focus principally, we expect, on allegations from more than a decade and a half ago. But what gives the row political salience now is Sir Keir Starmer's decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington a year ago.
There is much more if you are interested but to someone like me who has been watching Mandy's rise and fall and rise again for many years none of it is a surprise. He has never got anywhere near gaining my trust..... Not that that matters a damn! My opinion is worth nothing but read the article and reflect on what goes on in the corridors of power.....
These latest revelations about Lord Mandelson leave many Labour figures seething with disappointment and boiling with betrayal. The gravity of what is alleged points to an emerging political scandal building to perhaps one of the biggest for a generation. Plenty knew Lord Mandelson was a big character, a risky pick, a man with a biography scattered with previous examples of departing high office under a cloud. As I wrote here in September, Peter Mandelson twice lost his job in the cabinet two decades ago over his dealings with rich men. Firstly, in 1998, he resigned as trade and industry secretary after a row about borrowing a third of a million pounds from a ministerial colleague. Then in 2001 he resigned as Northern Ireland secretary after a row about a passport application from an Indian billionaire. And, yes, lightning did strike a third time last year when he was given the boot, months into the job, as the UK's ambassador to the United States. The revelations of the last few days would have been significant in any context, but what has turbocharged their significance is they cannot be dismissed as historic. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police will focus principally, we expect, on allegations from more than a decade and a half ago. But what gives the row political salience now is Sir Keir Starmer's decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington a year ago.
There is much more if you are interested but to someone like me who has been watching Mandy's rise and fall and rise again for many years none of it is a surprise. He has never got anywhere near gaining my trust..... Not that that matters a damn! My opinion is worth nothing but read the article and reflect on what goes on in the corridors of power.....