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03/10/2008
Cabinet Return For Mandelson
Twice-ousted Labour politician Peter Mandelson has made a shock return to government, after a minor shake-up of the Brown Cabinet.
Mr Mandelson, who was previously posted to Brussels as EU Trade Commissioner, will take a Ministerial seat in the Upper Chamber.
The former MP, will be granted a peerage, allowing him to sit on the front bench in the House of Lords.
Mr Mandelson will take on the Business Secretary portfolio, following John Hutton's move to the Defence Department.
He told waiting reporters, outside Downing Street, it is "third time lucky", and gushed he was "very proud" to serve under Gordon Brown.
Commenting on the ongoing global economic crisis, Mr Mandelson said it was "all hands on deck", and added the Prime Minister is doing "an exceptionally good job" in "very challenging conditions".
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett described Mr Mandelson's return as a "masterstroke".
While Shadow Home Affairs Minister William Hague suggested the move would only make the government more "dysfunctional".
The Prime Minister's reshuffle was prompted by the resignation of Transport Minister Ruth Kelly last week.
Ms Kelly's portfolio will be taken over by current Chief Whip Geoff Hoon.
Mr Hoon's vacated post will be filled by Nick Brown, another former frontbencher.
Margaret Beckett has also made a return to frontline politics as Housing Minister.
Brown faithful Ed Milliband will head up a new energy and climate change department.
Baroness Ashton of Upholland will take up Mr Mandelson's mantel in Brussels.
No move has been made on the much-speculated formation of an holistic office for the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland Secretaries of State.
Shaun Woodward will continue to preside over the Northern Ireland Office.
Most of the big players in the cabinet have stayed put, with David Milliband remaining in the Foreign Officer, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith holding her position and Alistair Darling resolute in the Exchequer.
Hillary Benn and Ed Balls both also retained Ministerial office.
The reshuffle, described as a "tidying up exercise", has already been embraced by Labour rebel Graham Stringer, who said it would bring more experience to the cabinet, and reflect "different strands" of thought within the party.
(PR/JM)
Mr Mandelson, who was previously posted to Brussels as EU Trade Commissioner, will take a Ministerial seat in the Upper Chamber.
The former MP, will be granted a peerage, allowing him to sit on the front bench in the House of Lords.
Mr Mandelson will take on the Business Secretary portfolio, following John Hutton's move to the Defence Department.
He told waiting reporters, outside Downing Street, it is "third time lucky", and gushed he was "very proud" to serve under Gordon Brown.
Commenting on the ongoing global economic crisis, Mr Mandelson said it was "all hands on deck", and added the Prime Minister is doing "an exceptionally good job" in "very challenging conditions".
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett described Mr Mandelson's return as a "masterstroke".
While Shadow Home Affairs Minister William Hague suggested the move would only make the government more "dysfunctional".
The Prime Minister's reshuffle was prompted by the resignation of Transport Minister Ruth Kelly last week.
Ms Kelly's portfolio will be taken over by current Chief Whip Geoff Hoon.
Mr Hoon's vacated post will be filled by Nick Brown, another former frontbencher.
Margaret Beckett has also made a return to frontline politics as Housing Minister.
Brown faithful Ed Milliband will head up a new energy and climate change department.
Baroness Ashton of Upholland will take up Mr Mandelson's mantel in Brussels.
No move has been made on the much-speculated formation of an holistic office for the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland Secretaries of State.
Shaun Woodward will continue to preside over the Northern Ireland Office.
Most of the big players in the cabinet have stayed put, with David Milliband remaining in the Foreign Officer, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith holding her position and Alistair Darling resolute in the Exchequer.
Hillary Benn and Ed Balls both also retained Ministerial office.
The reshuffle, described as a "tidying up exercise", has already been embraced by Labour rebel Graham Stringer, who said it would bring more experience to the cabinet, and reflect "different strands" of thought within the party.
(PR/JM)
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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.
27 October 2009
Bercow's Talks On Cabinet Peers
Moves could be afoot to make Cabinet Ministers sitting in the House of Lord more accountable. At present peers appointed to ministerial posts cannot be questioned by MPs in the Commons Chamber. The two distinct houses operate in tandem but there is no cross-over with regards to direct questions from the benches.
Bercow's Talks On Cabinet Peers
Moves could be afoot to make Cabinet Ministers sitting in the House of Lord more accountable. At present peers appointed to ministerial posts cannot be questioned by MPs in the Commons Chamber. The two distinct houses operate in tandem but there is no cross-over with regards to direct questions from the benches.
03 February 2010
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
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".
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.
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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
