The Daily Echo 9 October 2008

Written by Sandra Gidley MP on Thu 9th Oct 2008

Another term - another reshuffle. Gordon Brown had a golden opportunity to reshape his cabinet so that it had more depth and more appeal to the British public. With the recall of Peter Mandelson he has completely blown it.

To be fair, I think Peter Mandelson has done a good job in Europe. The trouble is that Europe is tainted and, unfortunately, many members of the public do not have much respect for what is happening there.

However, many members of the public remember Peter Mandelson firstly as Tony Blair's dark enforcer and second, as the man who twice had to resign from the Cabinet. Will he be three times a quitter?

Peter Mandelson showed poor judgement when he accepted a large loan from Jeffery Robinson and even poorer judgement when he helped the Hinduja brothers with their passport applications.

Now, the more charitable might think that Peter Mandelson has learnt his lesson and there have been no problems whilst he has been at Europe. It is patently clear that Gordon Brown can benefit from some of his spin doctor and networking skills.

There is a more fundamental problem though. Even if he is a truly reformed individual the public perception is that he will forever be connected with the sleazy side of politics. The reputation of politics and politicians has, sadly, never been lower and this is the last thing that is needed if the Prime Minister aims to restore public faith in politics in general and his party in particular.

It is an even more intriguing appointment when one considers some of the venomous comments that have emanated from a variety of Labour politicians. It is clear that Mr Mandelson is far from the unifying force that the Labour party needs right now if they are to do well at the next general election.

In the end I thought that there was a timidity about the reshuffle. I would have liked to have seen enhanced roles for Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary, and for local Daltrey look-alike John Denham. Alan has impressed me with his ability to relate to health service workers and his human touch and John proved himself to be a politician with integrity when he resigned over the war. Gordon's own reputation will be boosted or diminished by those he surrounds himself with. Sadly, this reshuffle will not do that.

Published with kind permission of the Daily Echo