Why did it take Peter Mandelson so long to support Brown on the afternoon of the snow plot? Well, his lordship was taking luncheon. His interview with the Telegraph contains the disclosure:
‘As the scheming by Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt unfolded, the Business Secretary ate haddock with an old friend. “We had a good talk which did not focus on events back at Westminster. When I got back, I put out a statement suggesting that it was a very minor storm in an even smaller teacup. I called it right. By teatime it had become a two-hour wonder.”’
Mandelson must eat at a Gladstonean pace. The Business Secretary is in ‘Kindly Pussycat’ mode, relishing the consolidation of his position following the failed putsch (which is surely nothing more than coincidence). He is determined that tax rates remain competitive and that the 50% levy be reduced at the first opportunity:
‘“Private enterprise and initiative is going to be the principal driver of economic growth.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in