Starmer calls in Mandelson to inject a dose of New Labour’s ‘winning mentality’

Sir Keir Starmer’s attempts to shift his party away from the far left have led him to the door of one of the founding members of New Labour: Lord Mandelson. The Labour leader has turned to the man dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” to shed light on how to move beyond the electorally toxic Jeremy Corbyn years and broaden the party’s appeal.

Mandelson, 67, is understood to have held online calls with members of Starmer’s team and the shadow cabinet, with the Labour leader having experienced his first wobble following hostile briefings from shadow cabinet ministers and sniping from traditionally supportive media.

Tony Blair’s former strategist is helping to craft a message that it is hoped will win the keys to No 10. Mandelson has