Blair recalls Mandelson for election campaign

Tony Blair has drafted in Peter Mandelson to help finalise Labour's strategy ahead of the general election he is expected to call tomorrow.

The secret recall of Labour's most notorious spin-doctor will infuriate ministers who are pushing for the party to fight a clean campaign. It has already unnerved the handful of leading advisers aware that Mr Blair has, once again, turned to the man he was twice forced to sack from his Cabinet.

Britain's EU commissioner was at a meeting in Downing Street on Wednesday to discuss election tactics, the IoS has learnt. One adviser at No 10 was heard complaining about Mr Mandelson after the meeting. An ally of Gordon Brown, who was not told of the move, said the Chancellor would be furious that his old enemy was back.