Mandelson named as Britain's new EU commissioner

Peter Mandelson, the Hartlepool MP who twice resigned from the Blair Cabinet, has been named as the UK's next European Commissioner.

Prime Minister Tony Blair telephoned the President-elect of the Commission, Durao Barroso, earlier today to propose this nomination and received a "positive response".

Under the arrangements agreed as part of the Nice Treaty, Mr Mandelson will be Britain's only representative in the next Commission. EU expansion has meant the UK loses its second commissioner - the present commissioners, Neil Kinnock and Chris Patten, will step down.

In taking up his appointment, Mr Mandelson gives up the seat he has held since 1992. Labour will be confident of retaining the seat at a by-election as Mr Mandelson was returned to Westminster with a 14,500 majority at the last general election.

Today's appointment propels Peter Mandelson, a key architect in the party's transformation to New Labour, back into the political limelight.

He left the Cabinet in 2001 after resigning as Northern Ireland Secretary over the Hinduja passport affair. The Northern Ireland portfolio was itself a comeback post for 'The Prince of Darkness' – having resigned as Trade Secretary in 1998 over a £373,000 loan which he failed to declare in MPs register.

Announcing the decision, the Prime Minister said: "The job of European Commissioner is a vitally important position for this country. Europe is Britain's best economic market. How Europe develops, especially a Europe of 25, will be crucial for the future of Britain.

"This is why we need the very best person representing Britain in Europe and Peter Mandelson has the skills, ability and contacts in Europe to make a great success of it."

Subject to the normal procedures, and to European Parliament approval of the new College of Commissioners as a whole, Peter Mandelson will take up his appointment on 1 November.

The distribution of portfolios in the new Commission will be decided by Mr Barroso.

(gmcg)