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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Gaby Hinsliff

It’s over and out (again) for Mandelson, but how many political lives does Starmer have left?

Donald Trump shakes hands with Peter Mandelson after announcing a trade deal with the UK, 8 May 2025.
Donald Trump shakes hands with Peter Mandelson after announcing a trade deal with the UK, 8 May 2025. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters

Once is unfortunate. Twice is clearly careless. But there are few words available for a family newspaper to describe hiring Peter Mandelson thrice, only for him to become mired in yet another scandal of career-ending proportions.

Rarely has the Labour party been so united as it is now in rage. Once again, the Prince of Darkness is dragging everyone through the mud, thanks to his moth-like attraction to wealth and power. Once again, awkward questions are being asked about his integrity, or what he disclosed and when. The only surprise is that this time it unravelled so fast: just seven months from resurrection to disgrace.

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