Peter Mandelson has downplayed suggestions that Nigel Farage will be the next Prime Minister, but says he takes the Reform UK leader “seriously.”
The UK Ambassador to the US was speaking following Reform’s success in the local elections, which saw the party winning 677 of around 1,600 seats contested.
Mandelson, seen as a key architect of the New Labour administration under Tony Blair, drew a comparison between Reform and his party following their landslide election victory in 1997.
The ambassador told an event in Washington: “I remember after we were elected in 1997, within a year we were losing by-elections.
“Within a year, I heard people say, ‘Oh, they got this colossal great majority at the election and what’s Blair done with it? Why hasn’t the world changed? Why hasn’t the country changed in a year? You know, people are impatient.”
Despite the fact he admitted that while he takes Farage “seriously” he said: “I’m not sure [the recent success] translates into people imagining that he’s going to be Prime Minister.
“When I was in government and I organised the election that we did in 1997, we didn’t have the same volatility of nationalism and populism that exists.
“We didn’t have as fragmented a political system. We certainly didn’t have Nigel Farage. And the reason why politics has changed is partly because of the global struggle, partly because of the social impact of rapid globalisation and the impact of that on people’s lives.”
Security expert says suspected arson attacks on properties linked to Keir Starmer must be taken seriously
A former army officer says suspected arson attacks on properties linked to Keir Starmer must be taken seriously.
Lt Col Stuart Crawford spoke to GB News this morning after reports a 21-year-old has been arrested in connection with the alleged incident at the Starmer’s North London family home.
Yvette Cooper defends Keir Starmer’s ‘island of strangers’ remark
Yvette Cooper has defended Sir Keir Starmer after he faced backlash for suggesting migration could lead to the UK becoming an “island of strangers.”
Asked by the BBC if she thought the language was “toxic, shameful or dangerous” as suggested by critics of the PM, the Home Secretary said: “I don’t agree, no.
“I think part of the point that he is making is that we have to recognise people have come to the UK through generations to do really important jobs in our NHS, founding our biggest businesses, doing some of the most difficult jobs.”
Lee Anderson calls for Jeremy Corbyn to be deported in Commons clash
Reform MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson caused groans in the Commons after calling for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to be deported.
Anderson, a former Labour councillor, asked Dame Angela Eagle: “Does she agree with me that these young men crossing the Channel should be immediately detained and deported along with the member for Islington?”
The Home Office minister responded saying: “I’m quite shocked that the honorable gentleman thinks that that’s an appropriate thing to say in this place.”
Reform moves ahead of Tories in London as Labour support in the capital stalls
Reform UK has jumped ahead of the Conservatives in London as support for Labour has stalled.
While Labour retain a comfortable lead on 30 per cent, the party has plunged 13 per cent since Sadiq Khan won last year’s mayoral election against the Conservative’s Susan Hall.
The poll by FindOutNow shows Nigel Farage’s party surging to 19 per cent, ahead of the Tories on 17 per cent, with both the Lib Dems on 16 per cent and Greens on 15 per cent seeing gains of five points.
Party leader Nigel Farage said: “This new London polling is strong for Reform and it’s before we have even got going. Even in our least advanced region we are ahead of a dying Conservative Party.”
Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fires at homes linked to Keir Starmer
A forensics officer with a dog is seen in Kentish Town, north London. Police are investigating a fire at Sir Keir Starmer’
PA
A 21-year-old man has been arrested in the early hours of Tuesday in connection with a series of arson attacks and remains in custody.
The suspect is under suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in three incidents.
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