Mandelson backs PM but only so far

Monday, 4 August 2003 12:00 AM

Former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson insisted yesterday that the Government was far from effete but suggested the PM loss of public trust may take its toll.

Mr. Blair became the longest continually serving Labour leader ever on Saturday overtaking the record of post-war premier Clement Atlee.

Mr Mandelson said: "I do not think we are on the verge of the end of Mr Blair's leadership, as Mr Atlee was after only six years in power. I think of this government that it has very many years of strong social democratic administration left inside it."

Mr Blair would have to "re-introduce himself" to the public after the "ups and downs" of recent events, Mr Mandelson said.

A "fresh beginning" was necessary between government and the public and Labour and the media.

But Mr Mandelson suggested the envisioned "new beginning" might not have Mr Blair leading the way.

"No Prime Minister goes on and on and on. Mrs Thatcher said that she was going to do so and then found different people had other ideas.

"I would not be getting out the handkerchief to bid farewell yet. He is not going to overstay his welcome, he is not going to get to the point that whatever good he is doing, people will still feel restless and want a change."

Tags: