After the headline-grabbing returns of Peter Mandelson and Alistair Campbell, it’s looking increasingly likely that David Blunkett will be the next New Labour veteran to be welcomed back into the governmental fold. According to today’s Mail on Sunday, he’s already discussed taking on a “party troubleshooter” role, although he’s said to be holding out for a Cabinet position. Word is: he just might get one, too.
You can see the thinking behind this redraft for The Old Crowd – experienced hands in a time of trouble; dogged war-horses who can take the fight to the Tories, and all that. But it’s a risky approach. The fact remains that Mandelson, Campbell, Blunkett et al departed Tony Blair’s government under numerous clouds. If the public haven’t forgiven and forgotten, then the reemergence of these Ghosts of Parliaments Past could serve to boost David Cameron’s Obama-esque change narrative. Or – worse for No.10 – if they repeat the same mistakes, then this reunited New Labour family could once again sink into dysfunction.
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