How To Win An Election How The Mandelson Files Weigh On The PM
5 snips
Mar 12, 2026 
Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Tory analyst, offers political and historical perspective. Sally Morgan, former Labour insider and strategist, brings government and campaign know-how. Polly Mackenzie, policy expert, gives pragmatic policy analysis. They probe the Mandelson files and Starmer’s decision making. They debate leadership, cost-of-living pressures, energy policy and bold institutional reforms.
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Internal Warnings Called Mandelson A Recurring Risk
- Jonathan Powell and Philip Barton privately flagged Mandelson as a recurring reputational risk, calling him 'always a disaster'.
- Sally Morgan recounts those internal red flags and says their warnings should have prompted decisive action in Downing Street.
Passive Premiership Weakens Leadership Ratings
- The Mandelson episode reinforces the critique that Starmer runs a 'passive premiership' who contracts out policy and political judgment.
- Daniel says that pattern leaves him unable to exercise final judgment when advisers are divided, undermining leadership ratings.
Leaders Must Make Final Calls Under Collegiate Government
- Allowing a collegiate government only works if the leader defines a clear umbrella and makes final calls when needed.
- Daniel suggests Starmer must either centralise final decisions or accept responsibility for outcomes to restore credibility.
