One of Britain’s most controversial and divisive politicians is to make a dramatic return to power, as Prime Minister Gordon Brown tries to save his political fortunes. Peter Mandelson, already fired twice from government, returns in what is a desperate political gamble by Brown. He and Mandelson have clashed over the years, with Mandelson seen as a close ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mandelson is one of the founding fathers of Blair’s New Labour, which took power in Britain in 1997. Mandelson was then made Trade Secretary, but resigned over a personal home loan. He returned as Northern Ireland Secretary, but again quit over allegations he had intervened in a visa application.

His political fortunes revived at the European Commission, and now he is back in government for a third time. Brown’s collapsing poll ratings have forced his hand, but with Mandelson supported and disliked in equal measure, it could be the Prime Minister’s last throw of the dice.

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