Mandelson 'lied' over loan

Northern Ireland Secretary has been accused of lying over the home loan given to him by former Paymaster General, Geoffrey Robinson.

Northern Ireland Secretary has been accused of lying over the home loan given to him by former Paymaster General, Geoffrey Robinson.

The accusation comes in an extract from Mr Robinson's forthcoming autobiography, where it is alleged that Mr Mandelson approached Mr Robinson for the loan.

However, Mr Mandelson has always insisted former Treasury Minister Geoffrey Robinson willingly proffered the cash.

The original scandal over the loan cost both men their Government posts, although Mr Mandelson was able to make a speedy return to the cabinet.

The Government has launched an attempt to discredit Mr Robinson's claims, with Education Secretary David Blunkett dismissing the claims as "self-indulgent" and challenging Mr Robinson to hand over the proceeds of his book's serialisation to the Labour Party or a charity.