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05/01/2010
Mandelson 'Lacks Commons Ambition'
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has claimed that two major stumbling blocks stand in the way of him becoming an MP again - his life peerage and a "lack of ambition".
Much was made of Peter Mandelson's return to front line politics in October 2008 when Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed him to the Cabinet by virtue of a seat in the House of Lords.
Since then the former MP, and New Labour mastermind, has been credited with boosting Labour's recent flailing popularity.
Lord Mandelson has found himself fending off continued speculation that he would renounce his title, if possible, and make a bid for a parliamentary seat and eventually Mr Brown's premiership.
However, speaking to Esquire magazine, the effective deputy prime minister said: "Apart from my lack of ambition, there is something else standing in the way, quite a big thing. The life peerage. You can't divest yourself from it."
Justice Secretary Jack Straw is currently pushing through legislation that would provide life peers a means of dropping their barony and title.
Lord Mandelson expressed doubt this reformation would be passed prior to this year's general election, which is widely regarded to take place in May.
Discussing his relationship with the Prime Minister, Lord Mandelson said: "We like each other, we tease each other, we tell mild jokes about each other. What I admire about him is that he never lets up."
(PR/GK)
Much was made of Peter Mandelson's return to front line politics in October 2008 when Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed him to the Cabinet by virtue of a seat in the House of Lords.
Since then the former MP, and New Labour mastermind, has been credited with boosting Labour's recent flailing popularity.
Lord Mandelson has found himself fending off continued speculation that he would renounce his title, if possible, and make a bid for a parliamentary seat and eventually Mr Brown's premiership.
However, speaking to Esquire magazine, the effective deputy prime minister said: "Apart from my lack of ambition, there is something else standing in the way, quite a big thing. The life peerage. You can't divest yourself from it."
Justice Secretary Jack Straw is currently pushing through legislation that would provide life peers a means of dropping their barony and title.
Lord Mandelson expressed doubt this reformation would be passed prior to this year's general election, which is widely regarded to take place in May.
Discussing his relationship with the Prime Minister, Lord Mandelson said: "We like each other, we tease each other, we tell mild jokes about each other. What I admire about him is that he never lets up."
(PR/GK)
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05 January 2010
Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
The UK will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was announced today. A "nationwide celebration" will be held to honour the Queen's 60-year reign, Lord Mandelson said.
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14 September 2009
Review Of 'All' Government Spending
Labour will "fight back" against the recession, Lord Mandelson said today. The Business Secretary said the government has the mindset of "insurgents" restless with the status quo, rather than purely "incumbents".
Review Of 'All' Government Spending
Labour will "fight back" against the recession, Lord Mandelson said today. The Business Secretary said the government has the mindset of "insurgents" restless with the status quo, rather than purely "incumbents".
14 January 2009
Banking Boss Given Ministerial Post
A former banking boss has been drafted in by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson (pictured) to fill a top ministerial post, in a moved aimed at shoring-up the UK banking sector. Mervyn Davis, lately Chair of Standard Chartered, will be granted a life peerage, which will allow him to join the government.
Banking Boss Given Ministerial Post
A former banking boss has been drafted in by Business Secretary Peter Mandelson (pictured) to fill a top ministerial post, in a moved aimed at shoring-up the UK banking sector. Mervyn Davis, lately Chair of Standard Chartered, will be granted a life peerage, which will allow him to join the government.
20 July 2009
Lord Sugar Takes Up New Job
Business mogul Sir Alan Sugar took his seat in the House of Lords this afternoon, amid talks of a mechanism that would allow life peers to renounce their titles. Lord Sugar, as he will be known, was appointed to the Upper Chamber by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The BBC Apprentice star will operate as an 'enterprise tzar' for the Government.
Lord Sugar Takes Up New Job
Business mogul Sir Alan Sugar took his seat in the House of Lords this afternoon, amid talks of a mechanism that would allow life peers to renounce their titles. Lord Sugar, as he will be known, was appointed to the Upper Chamber by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The BBC Apprentice star will operate as an 'enterprise tzar' for the Government.
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