Labour grandee Peter Mandelson is conducting a clandestine masterclass for Sir Keir Starmer's top team, schooling them on the brutal realities of securing and holding power, the Daily Mail can reveal.
The architect of New Labour's electoral success is privately advising shadow cabinet ministers and senior aides on strategy, messaging, and the art of political warfare ahead of the next general election.
Preparing for a Trump White House Return
In a move highlighting the party's serious preparations for government, Mandelson is also focusing heavily on international relations. He is reportedly preparing Labour's frontbench for the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House following the upcoming US election.
The peer is emphasising the critical need to establish a stable and functional relationship with the US, regardless of who occupies the Oval Office. This pragmatic approach signals a significant shift from the party's previous stance and underscores its determination to be seen as a government-in-waiting ready to handle complex global diplomacy.
Starmer's Inner Circle Receives Tutelage
Mandelson's influence extends to the heart of Starmer's operation. Key figures, including Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have been present at these strategy sessions. The tutoring covers a wide range of topics essential for a party hoping to transition from opposition to government.
The masterclasses include:
- Refining core campaign messages for maximum impact
- Developing robust attack strategies against political opponents
- Mastering the art of media engagement and communication
- Understanding the nuances of building international partnerships
A Calculated Embrace of Pragmatism
This revelation showcases the Labour leadership's calculated and pragmatic approach. Engaging Mandelson, a figure synonymous with the centrist, election-winning tactics of the Blair era, indicates Starmer's commitment to doing whatever it takes to secure a parliamentary majority.
By proactively planning for a Trump presidency, Labour aims to project an image of competence and readiness, seeking to reassure voters and international allies that they are prepared to navigate an increasingly volatile global political landscape.
