One of the few history lessons I remember from primary school was how in medieval Scotland, condemned men could choose their executioner. I remember looking around and wondering which of my classmates would best finish me off quickly and painlessly. In my News of the World column today, I argue that Gordon Brown has revived this tradition by appointing Peter Mandelson. No more can you say the Labour rebellion is a shiver, looking for a spine to run down and no more will the likes of me moan about a spineless Cabinet. The Prince is back.
As Matt argues in the Sunday Telegraph today, this could all go badly wrong but the Tories should not discount the possibility of it going badly right. I agree, but my money is on it going badly wrong – and for the following reasons.
1. Brown only uses his friends. The Stephen Carter fiasco showed what happens when well-qualified outsiders are sent in to sharpen Brown operation.
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