Peter Mandelson has given an interview to the Telegraph that will doubtless come as a huge morale boost to his titular boss, the Prime Minister.
In it, the First Secretary and Lord President opines that Mr Brown will face further difficulties over his leadership in the autumn, around the time of the Labour party conference. For what it’s worth, I think he’s probably right.
Mandelson also offers the PM some helpful advice on personal development, urging him to show more leadership, listen to advice and try to adopt a sunnier outlook:
“I believe in leadership and in being decisive.
“Secondly, in listening to people and respecting official advice you receive.
“And thirdly, introducing a bit of humour and jollity to your work.
”You don’t have to be too grey or serious the whole time. You can do your work and enjoy it at the same time and include people along the way.”
Jollity? Maybe that is the real Mandelson, but I can’t say that I’ve ever considered him a particularly jovial character. I can’t recall too many instances when I’ve turned on Newsnight to find him facing Jeremy Paxman and thought to myself: “Ah, there’s good old Mandelson, God bless him; now we’re in for a bit of light relief.”
No, I can’t really say Lord Mandelson has done much over the years to contribute to the gaiety of our national life.
Except for one recent occasion, but, out of due consideration for his feelings, the less said about that the better.
