Peter Mandelson comeback planned

Peter Mandelson has returned to the public life, with a new autobiography entitled ‘My Struggle:  A fighter not a quitter’.

This relaunch coincides with a difficult time for the government which has led to rumours of a political comeback. Even The Times, a conservative broadsheet, has got behind his comeback bid:

One Downing Street insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity told the OMS:

“There’s a feeling that Mandelson is too valuable to be leaving on the bench at a time like this. Just as Brown brought him back in 2009, so Starmer may well do the same. We need these special skills that somehow only Peter Mandelson has”.

A Mandelson ally related the government’s predicament to a scene in Top Gun 2: Maverick, where the Val Kilmer character tells Tom Cruise’s Maverick that ‘the navy needs maverick’.

“Now is the time for our maverick. The Labour Party, the government and frankly the country needs Mandelson”.

One previously sceptical Labour MP told the OMS that his position had shifted somewhat:

“I recognise that he’s got a controversial past. But it’s been two months now, and I think we can all agree that it is time to move on”.

Reader competition: How should Peter Mandelson return to Government?

Click here to register and tell us in the comments below:

Chairman of the BBC: The BBC needs a figure with appropriate combination of respect, media knowledge and ability to navigate a complex political environment. Mandelson brings invaluable experience in managing scandals relating to sexual abuse of minors by famous people. This can help the BBC recover its reputation from the numerous scandals relating to its presenters.

Mayor of London – With Sadiq Khan planning to stand down in 2028, Labour could do with a popular and charismatic candidate to face down the threat from the Conservatives and Reform. Mandelson was known to be interested in the role in 2000, and again in 2012, and as a life-long Londoner with experience in government would be a compelling candidate. But is the job big enough for him?

Chair of the Committee in Standards in Public Life: With his depth of experience in government, both in the UK and in the EU, Mandelson would bring seriousness and professionalism to the role. His integrity and independence would bring bipartisan credibility to the Committee.

Justice Secretary: With his quick mind and recent knowledge of legal proceedings, Mandelson could be a credible candidate to become the UK Government’s chief legal officer. But could the government afford to move David Lammy?

Government anti-corruption czar: Since the departure of Mandelson acolyte, Tulip Siddiq, this vital government post has remained vacant. With decades of experiences of corruption in government, most noticeably as Trade Commissioner in the European Union, Mandelson offers unrivalled pedigree to the role.

Leader of the European Movement UK: The European Movement in the UK has often struggled to connect with the average voter and is sometimes perceived as an elitist network of politico-commercial-media elites. The leadership of Mandelson could transform their fortunes and take the UK back into the EU and into the Euro and Schengen.  

The new Prince Andrew: Another role which has been vacant for some time following the ‘departure’ of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the position. Mandelson is close to King Charles, and has relevant skills, personality and (dodgy) connections to complete the role. If appointed, he would most likely reinvigorate the trade role previously dropped from Prince Andrew’s functions.

British Ambassador to Thailand: An emerging regional power, which recently applied to join the OECD, the UK should be looking for a big hitter as Ambassador. Given his successful Ambassadorial experience, and diplomatic expertise from the EU, he could be a front runner for the role. The lifestyle opportunities offered in Bangkok would likely appeal to him.

British Ambassador to the Caribbean: Another diplomatic role which could tempt Mandelson would be an Ambassadorial position in the Caribbean. He has relevant island experience, plus diplomatic contacts from his recent experience in the United States.

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