Mandy role welcomed
BUSINESS groups have welcomed former Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson’s return to the Cabinet as Business Secretary after Gordon Brown’s reshuffle.
The controversial politician - who has been labelled the most divisive figure in Labour’s recent history and twice resigned from Tony Blair’s Cabinet - takes over from John Hutton after Gordon Brown’s Cabinet shake-up.
Business groups are backing Mr Mandelson to provide a strong voice for industry on key issues such as red tape, funding and competition law.
John Wright, national chairman and North-east regional vice-chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said he was not surprised by Mr Mandelson’s return.
He said: “His 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.”
Mr Mandelson, who spent 12 years as Hartlepool’s MP, will bring to his new role four years’ experience as Britain’s European Commissioner for Trade.
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