Disbelief and praise for Mandelson appointment

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 03 Oct 2008, 14:10

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 50106.html

The return of Peter Mandelson to the Cabinet as head of the Business Department drew praise from industry leaders but astonishment from left-wingers and trade unionists today.

The man who has resigned twice as Cabinet minister is no stranger to controversy and his shock appointment led to disbelief and praise in equal measure.

Labour MP John McDonnell said he was "absolutely gobsmacked" at Mr Mandelson's return to Cabinet, adding: "The whole Labour movement will be utterly perplexed at what the Prime Minister's motives are.

"This is an extraordinary step backwards into the worst elements of the Blair era, to reinstate possibly the most divisive figure in Labour's recent history."

Several union officials asked for their reaction said they "too shocked" to comment.

The Communication Workers Union said Mr Mandelson was an experienced politician who had steered through legislation on the postal industry during his previous time at the Trade and Industry Department (DTI).

"He again faces many big challenges and we look forward to working with him," said a spokesman.

Business groups widely welcomed the news that Mr Mandelson will replace John Hutton.

John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI, said: "John Hutton has succeeded in giving the new Department for Business a sense of mission and drive that was lacking at its predecessor, the DTI. In particular, he has taken decisive action to try to deliver energy security of supply in the future.

"The Department for Business must have a heavyweight political big hitter at the Cabinet table, and we are encouraged that Peter Mandelson is returning to this role."

John Wright, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "This shock return is no surprise to us, given Mr Mandelson's previous tenure at the DTI and his current position as Britain's European Commissioner for Trade.

"Mr Mandelson's experience will mean that he can do away with the probationary period and get straight into the business of dealing with the current credit crunch.

"We will be seeking an early meeting with him in order to convey some very easy-to-implement measures to safeguard the future of small businesses during these difficult times."

Martin Temple, chairman of the Engineering Employers Federation, said: "John Hutton was a good advocate fighting for business across Whitehall and it was important that they replaced him with a big hitter - which Mr Mandelson certainly is.

"His experience as EU Trade Commissioner, and having previously been at the old DTI, should be invaluable in ensuring that business continues to have a strong voice at the Cabinet table."

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Peter Mandelson did a good job at the DTI and clearly understands business.

"His work in Europe and involvement in global trade discussions also mean that he knows where the UK fits within the international context. We look forward to working with him in these challenging economic times."

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 03 Oct 2008, 14:12

Good or Bad for Royal Mail/Post Office Ltd. I will think about this for a bit but I am leaning towards bad as isn't he a Blairite and therefore a Conservative.

Big Daz · Post by **Big Daz** » 03 Oct 2008, 14:37

But he is constrained by policy voted in at Labours National Policy Forum and Labour Party Conference.

As much as everyone really wants to belive that Labour will not make any attempt to reverse their disatorous handling of Royal Mail and postal policy since 2000, the Labour government is going to tackle the issue the question is how bitter will the medicine taste and not if we will actually get any medicine.

That said we all know medication can have/cause side effects!

Big Daz · Post by **Big Daz** » 03 Oct 2008, 14:41

I wonder if Pat will be moved and somebody else will take over as postal minster?

Yahoorsur · Post by **Yahoorsur** » 03 Oct 2008, 15:30

Cound'nt believe it when I heard it on 5live,the man is Blairite to his toes,mark my words this is bad news for us,his tenure as EU trade commissioner should tell us all we need to know,if Brown was serious about reviving Labour,why in the name o the wee man,did he not give a job to Jon Cruddas?,thankfully the bug eyed Hutton has went to another department where no doubt he can inflict more 'modernisation' on people.

Post by **trythat** » 03 Oct 2008, 17:01

I think this will be bad news as well, personally, I expect bad news and Brown will just say 'Nothing to do with me', or if something good happens it will be 'Didn't I do well'. I'd be surprised if we don't get shat on regards, and reverse in pension (age and final salary), lower wages - we'll be on minimum wage soon, the way our pay rises are working out. I think we may be on strike before the next election, unless we have someone sensible take over from Leighton, and get Crozier to see sence, and I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.

BELIAL · Post by **BELIAL** » 03 Oct 2008, 17:23

Very bad news for all working people in this country. The collapse of the UK financial system has placed Brown at a cross roads, carry straight on was not an option. Despite the fact that the system is a shambles and verging on freefall , Brown has chosen to turn right. Mandy has never felt the need to obey rules before, he is above such trivia.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » 03 Oct 2008, 17:38

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:Good or Bad for Royal Mail/Post Office Ltd. I will think about this for a bit but I am leaning towards bad as isn't he a Blairite and therefore a Conservative.

started off as a Tankie - look at people like Darling being Trots ; I know B- Liar couldn't do without Mandy but Mr McBean that is something

Yahoorsur · Post by **Yahoorsur** » 03 Oct 2008, 18:59

It was well known in political circles that Brown and Mandleson loathed each other for years,and now heres Mandy back in the cabinet,after the secret loans and other scandals,now as Belial has said Brown has chosen to tack to the right,well hell mend him as my old gran used to say and if you fly wi the craws you get shot wi the craws

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 03 Oct 2008, 19:04

This is bad news for us all in the postal service for mandy has been caught with his finger's in the pies before not once but twice!. I bet gordon cannot wait till next year's new labour conference!. I wonder whose pie he will help himself to this time SHARE'S gordon no problem my dear MANDY!. All i will say is sarah wont be the only one kissing gordon at conference next year!. i bet sarkozy is happy and he can protect his pie now MANDY has left his E/U job!.

Martin Walsh · Post by **Martin Walsh** » 03 Oct 2008, 22:00

I have no time for mandy but when has the minster for the DTI he did set up a mortium on Post office closures and he did introduce the bill for the Postal services act so maybe its fitting he now has to introduce the Hooper recommendations

k979aaa · Post by **k979aaa** » 03 Oct 2008, 22:04

dingo wrote:I have no time for mandy but when has the minster for the DTI he did set up a mortium on Post office closures and he did introduce the bill for the Postal services act so maybe its fitting he now has to introduce the Hooper recommendations

I would'nt hold my breath for a favourable outcome esp now MANDY'S in charge!.

BELIAL · Post by **BELIAL** » 03 Oct 2008, 22:43

On a purely personal note ,thought about this appointment and it's implications all day.To be frank what assurances do I have that even if I cancel the political fund ,the rest of my subs do not support this tory outfit? I'll give it a month to see what happens, then ,I do not see much point paying your executioner. It does look like me and my union are at cross purposes and must part ways

I'll find a fighting alternative

Big Daz · Post by **Big Daz** » 04 Oct 2008, 05:33

BELIAL

The only issue is the lack of democracy in the political fund , it needs to be split into two one for general political work and another for money to Labour which then allows anyone wishing to not fund Labour to pull out whilst still contributing to general political expenditure.

Conference voted against this earlier in the year.

It will proably be back next year, so I suggest we all try and persuade our branches to support. My own branch supports this.

If some members are happy to contribute to Labour, let them! Its their money after all.

Splitting the fund like this might lead to greater efforts in making sure we get more benefit out of the link.

norbert · Post by **norbert** » 04 Oct 2008, 07:50

k979aaa wrote:
dingo wrote:I have no time for mandy but when has the minster for the DTI he did set up a mortium on Post office closures and he did introduce the bill for the Postal services act so maybe its fitting he now has to introduce the Hooper recommendations
I would'nt hold my breath for a favourable outcome esp now MANDY'S in charge!.

The papers have gone to town on the Mandy Appointment - the Union now say they made mistakes with the Postal Services Act , they DID want more commercial freedom for RM , however New Liebour moved the goalposts

- Patronizing Pat Hewitt wanted a partial sale to TNT ( that was hush- hush ) , they went headlong into deregulation ( the EEC directive itself came from a right wing Dutch freemarketeer ) ( Nobody had ring- fenced the USO ) , it's "interesting " what was or wasn't red - lined

-

Brown wanted the value of part or whole publicly owned companies increased with his stakeholder executive - he was clever by getting City Bankers to headhunt the likes of :lfo with his Walmart " union avoiding " experience - DTI Minister Stephen Byers saw that the CWU would be a problem with split ups and possible privatization so let's say he'd a lot of influence in getting :lfo but didn't get his hands dirty with it , if you will .

They are Neo-Liberal but the alternative is Dave Snooty & pals who would be just about shafting people full stop - Blue Liebour are just more devious and subtle about it - with the odd concession for Joe Public thrown in to attempt to make things look fairer