In a move that has sent shockwaves through Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff Sue Gray has initiated clandestine talks with Labour's so-called 'Dark Lord' Peter Mandelson, the architect of New Labour's electoral dominance.
The secret meetings, revealed by the Daily Mail, represent a dramatic political homecoming for the peer once banished from Tony Blair's government twice. Mandelson's return to the inner circle signals Starmer's determination to tap into the strategic expertise that delivered three consecutive Labour victories.
The Master Returns to the Fold
Multiple sources confirm that Mandelson, now 70, has been providing informal counsel to Gray and other senior Labour figures as the party prepares for an expected general election victory. The peer has been spotted entering Labour's headquarters through a discreet back entrance, avoiding the main reception where his presence would cause immediate attention.
One senior Labour MP expressed concern about the development: "There's real unease about Mandelson's influence. Many remember the New Labour era differently, and his return doesn't sit well with those who want a clean break from past controversies."
Trump Preparations and Diplomatic Strategy
The Mandelson manoeuvre coincides with Labour's preparations for a potential second Donald Trump presidency. Senior figures including Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Jonathan Reynolds have been conducting their own outreach to Republican figures.
Mandelson's extensive Washington network, built during his time as Trade Commissioner and through his global consulting work, is seen as invaluable should Trump return to the White House. His understanding of transatlantic relations could prove crucial in navigating what would likely be a dramatically different US-UK relationship.
The Gray-Mandelson Alliance
The partnership between Sue Gray, the former Whitehall ethics chief who investigated Partygate, and Mandelson represents one of Labour's most intriguing political alliances. Gray's unparalleled knowledge of Whitehall machinery combined with Mandelson's electoral experience creates a formidable operational team.
Their collaboration focuses on:
- Election strategy and campaign planning
- Transition preparations for government
- Building relationships with international partners
- Business outreach and economic policy development
Despite the controversy surrounding his return, even critics acknowledge Mandelson's political acumen. As one former minister conceded: "Love him or loathe him, Peter understands how to win elections and how to govern. In a potential transition to power, that experience becomes priceless."
The Labour leadership maintains that Mandelson serves only as an informal adviser among many voices contributing to their preparation for government. However, the secrecy surrounding his involvement suggests recognition of the sensitivity of his return to a position of influence within the party he helped shape and define.
