EU Commissioner Mandelson handed trade portfolio

The former Cabinet Minister, Peter Mandelson, has today been named as the European Union's new Commissioner for trade.

Mr Mandelson, the Hartlepool MP who twice resigned from the Blair Cabinet, is expected to officially take up his new role in November following approval from the European Parliament. His first meeting with the full commission team will be in Brussels on August 20.

José Manuel Barroso, President-designate of the European Commission, said that the new Commission is solid, politically experienced and brings together people from across the political spectrum.

A key part of the commissions work will be to fulfil the Lisbon strategy and make Europe "the world’s most competitive economy by 2010".

Mr Barroso said: “I have organised this strong team to ensure we work efficiently and achieve the goals we set ourselves. I attach great importance to team players committed to the European general interest. Commissioners will work together and deliver real benefits for EU citizens.”

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.

Mr Mandelson 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 the MPs' register.

(gmcg)