The Mandelson Long Game.
Peter Mandelson is one of the most strategic politicians in the UK. He oversaw the creation and dissemination of the new Labour movement, and has in most cases seen the political winds and made his decisions based on the way they are blowing.
An oft-quoted desire of Mandelson’s is to be Foreign Secretary like his Grandfather Herbert Morrison. You could argue that his time as EU Commissioner is akin to the office of Foreign Secretary in many ways, and given the rarity of opportunity for politicians to serve as Commissioner you can see a merit in that argument. However, it is not a post that is considered equal to the great Offices of State, and this is what the Dark Lord really wants, or does he?
Paul Waugh, the well connected Deputy Editor of the Evening Standard, has linked him to the grandly titled post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This new post, and the one with the more sizeable brief than the President of the European Council would suit the ambitions of Mandelson, would give him that Foreign policy role he desires, but also, perhaps most importantly, provides another state paid juicy pay and pensions package.
Since 1985 Mandelson has worked for the Labour Party as Communications Director, as an MP, as a Minister without Portfolio, Secretary of State, as an EU Commissioner and most recently as Baron Mandelson of Foy in the county of Herefordshire and Hartlepool in the county of Durham where he holds the offices of First Secretary of State, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, President of the Board of Trade and Lord President of the Council.
Interestingly Mandelson upon appointment to both the grandiose ennoblement and job titles, the BBC noted that Mandelson will “be eligible for around £78,000 in “transitionary payments” annually for the next three years. The money – £234,000 in total – will also be subject to preferential tax rates devised for EU officials. The top-up ensures his income in his new job is the same as his £182,500 salary as a commissioner.”
Could this have been what Mandelson has been planning all along? Tout Blair for the top job, knowing that the right-wing parties in the EU (the largest block under the EPP banner) want their man, whoever that may be, to hold that office, and then suggest the elder Milliband for the “EU Foreign Secretary” position, knowing that he would decline for whatever reason. With no other British candidates left standing (and I discount the unknown Baroness Ashton) could it be the kingmaker of New Labour is now ready to eclipse his Grandfather and hold one of the two newly created great European Union Offices of State, as opposed to holding a mere domestic one? If I were a betting man, I know where my money would be.
Is David Miliband About To Stand Down?
Mandelson looking to the future and briefing against Brown.
Miliband brothers bid to be Prime Minister, with a little help from Mandelson.
