Peter Mandelson, also known as New Labour's 'Prince of Darkness', has offered his last piece of election advice to Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to "make them an offer they can't refuse". Mandelson, who has returned to the Labour fold, compared Starmer to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, declaring him the heir to Blair. However, his seal of approval has been met with skepticism by those who still see Blair as toxic.+
The Dark Lord of Labour: Reigniting Brexit Wars and Taking Aim at Unite Union
In an exclusive interview, Lord Mandelson revealed some of his views and actions. He hinted at a potential return to the government if Labour wins the election, criticized Ed Miliband for being weak on defense, and risked reigniting the Brexit wars by advocating for closer ties with the European Union. He also accused the trade union Unite of wasting money on hard-left attacks against Starmer. In a surprising revelation, Mandelson disclosed that he was once considering appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and admitted to being a fan of samba.
The Battle for No10: Starmer vs. Sunak
With Starmer preparing for the Labour party conference, there is a sense of optimism within the party. Following their recent victory in the Rutherglen by-election, Labour believes that a "seismic" change is coming, leading them to No10. However, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is fighting back. Branding himself as the change candidate, Sunak plans to redirect funding from HS2 towards improving roads, trains, and buses. Despite these efforts, Starmer is still perceived as boring and uninspiring by many voters.
The Return of the New Labour Regime
Behind the scenes, Starmer is relying heavily on advisers from the Blair and Brown era to help revamp his image. Lord Mandelson has also been providing occasional advice. However, Mandelson insists that he is not as involved in Starmer's regime as he was in the past. His last piece of advice to Starmer was to focus on the future and present a compelling offer to working people, particularly those who abandoned Labour in despair during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Economic recovery is identified as the top priority.
Sir Keir's Conference Speech: Practical Policies and Credibility
All eyes are on Starmer as he prepares to deliver his conference speech. While he is currently leading in the polls, many voters remain undecided. Mandelson emphasizes the importance of Starmer convincing voters that he has practical policies and the credibility to implement them. He dismisses Tory attacks accusing Starmer of being a "flip flopper" as a compliment, highlighting his willingness to adapt his policies based on changing circumstances. Mandelson also takes a jab at Labour's climate change chief Ed Miliband, praising Starmer for his sturdiness on defense.
The Brexit Question and Attacks on Labour
Lord Mandelson remains firm in his support for closer ties with the European Union and accuses the Tories of damaging the economy. He brushes off criticism of getting it wrong on Brexit and asserts that the negative impact on trade and investment in the UK is a direct result of leaving the EU. Mandelson also criticizes Unite union leader Sharon Graham for using union funds to launch hard-left attacks against Starmer, claiming that they do not represent the union's membership.
Will Mandelson Make a Comeback?
Despite his influential role in the Labour party for over two decades, Mandelson insists that he does not desire a return to government. He states that he wants to support and work for a Labour government without being a member of it. However, he acknowledges that his stance may change if Sir Keir appeals to his patriotic spirit amidst the ongoing economic challenges. Mandelson's return to the political stage remains uncertain, but his influence and advice continue to have an impact.
