There are few politicians with as controversial a history as Mandy (Lord Mandelson); most recently being sacked as the UK's Ambassador to the USA. My own late Father-in-Law, who was at our Embassy in Washington in the mid-50's, would have been horrified at his inappropriate appointment.
Mandy's political career would best be described as 'pushy'. He actively sought-out the rich and influential, and used them to his advantage. This has eventually caused his downfall.
His long and close friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was doomed from the beginning. Most people (other than his pal Sir Keir Starmer) knew that he had overstepped the mark; and he had to go. On Wednesday at PMQ's, Starmer was still saying what a wonderful chap he was, and had his 'total confidence'. Starmer sacked him a few hours later.
Mandy will no doubt now spend much of his time in The Lords, where members receive a daily attendance allowance of £323; over £1,500 a week. I'm sure he'll also be offered a few 'directorships', and other paid appointments. That's how things develop for such people. He won't go short of a few quid.
Mandy, better known as The Prince of Darkness', will probably be popular as an 'After Dinner Speaker', and will no doubt soon appear on the boards of several quangos and charities. I wish him luck.
Can Starmer possibly still have the 'total confidence' in Mandy that he so earnestly claimed on Wednesday? Coming so soon after the shameful Rayner affair, one really has to wonder about Starmer's judgement of character!
Both Rayner and Mandelson suffered that 'kiss of death' - their boss saying that he had complete faith in them. You know that as soon as those words are said, the individual is inevitably for the chop.
ReplyDeleteI doubt that many private sector businesses will be rushing to embrace Mandy - too much mud would be likely to stick. A nice Quango post though would be a different matter, after all failing upwards is almost mandatory within the public sector.
They were the classic words of a Barrister. A person who is prepared to take big money to defend or prosecute anyone, regardless of being guilty or innocent.
DeleteWhy on earth was he given the post in the first place? Even I, as non-politically minded as they come, was horrified.
ReplyDeleteThe 'Vetting Process' isn't what it used to be, but friends in high places remains the same.
DeleteThe murky world of politics continues to cover everything with its veneer of slime. No surprises there.
ReplyDeleteNone here either. I was amazed when he was offered the position, but he had powerful 'friends'.
DeleteRegarding the words "pal" and "earnestly", you have overegged Keir Starmer's relationship with Mandelson. Having said that and as a proud Labour man, I will say that I have always been suspicious of Mandelson. A true socialist would never mix with the likes of Epstein and he would not be magnetised by jetset lifestyles and the trappings of wealth. With Trump in The White House, I understand why Mr Starmer chose Mandelson but with hindsight it should never have happened. Frankly, I am disgusted.
ReplyDeleteMandy 'brown-nosed' his way through life, and we all knew it. How on earth Starmer didn't know about his past is a mystery. Did you not see PMQ's on Wednesday? He was still singing his praises!
DeleteMr Starmer did not know everything because Mandelson had not been truthful.
DeleteIt's just been on BBC news that he HAD been informed before his PMQ's replies!
DeleteExactly. It seems No 10 had the emails but no one told Starmer
DeleteThis is of course Mandy's third career sacking. But what is amazing is how politicians are regularly welcomed back into the political fold despite being removed from previous high profile cabinet posts.
ReplyDeleteI remember tv's Spitting Image's cruel portrayal of Mandelson as a slithering sliding slug as he entered Blair's office at No 10. That always made me laugh. Such a perfect portrayal.
He's not someone I would chose as a friend; let alone praise him as Starmer did. I'm afraid it shows a terrible lack of judgement from No 10.
DeleteAgree completely that he should never have been given the ambassador position.
ReplyDeleteI wrote about it at the time; I was genuinely shocked.
DeleteI think it's all become hideous - flis x
ReplyDeleteThey're making a terrible mess of everything. I see changes ahead, but not for the good!
DeleteSome MP's have sloppy shoulders and covered in Teflon, it must be their sport to out anyone in power, Mandy is a whole low level of his own.
ReplyDeleteThe term 'Spin Doctor' was invented specifically for him. A 'spin' too far.
DeleteYet another dubious friend of Starmer's bites the dust- who's next? The PM seems to have a frightening inability to choose anyone "upright and honest" - if there is such a person in politics these days!
ReplyDeleteIt comes from his having been a barrister. He's always ready to defend anyone, as long as the money is there. He's learned not to worry about guilt. Politics attracts the wrong people.
DeleteIt's all in the day of typical politics.
ReplyDeleteYou do not have to look very far to see people in high position of authority showing no regard for ethical behavior.
Mandy is simply one of the many.
Sadly so. Will it ever change? I doubt it.
DeleteHe had to go
ReplyDeleteHe did indeed, but he'll probably be back again in some role or other!
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