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  1. Politics
3 October 2008

Mandelson’s baggage

New Statesman political editor Martin Bright reacts to the astonishing news that Gordon Brown has fo

By Martin Bright

The return of Peter Mandelson to government is great news for British journalism. The man who has twice been brought down by the media has just issued an open invitation to Fleet Street’s feral beasts by accepting a job with Gordon Brown.

There is no doubt he will bring some much-needed steel to the Labour operation. But he comes with such baggage that he may simply remind the voters of the worst of New Labour – in particular in its sycophantic relationship with big business.

This time around he isn’t even an elected politician so the appetite to hold him to account will be all the stronger.

This is going to be a lot of fun.

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Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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