Peter Mandelson - more allegations of sleaze

The Mail reports the shocking, almost unbelievable news that one of the most respected members of this Labour government has been accused of behaving in a manner that is not entirely straight, I can hardly believe anyone could make such accusations:

"Peter Mandelson is at the centre of a 'favours for friends' row over the controversial proposals to expand Heathrow.

Details emerged of the extraordinary access the Business Secretary's close acquaintance Roland Rudd - who represents airport operator BAA - had to the top tiers of Government.

Mr Rudd, the City's most powerful PR, or his company Finsbury Ltd met with ministers at least five times in ten days in the run-up to Labour's unpopular decision to go ahead with plans for a third runway, and once a few months earlier.

It provoked angry allegations that Lord Mandelson used his political influence to help his friend persuade ministers to push through the £9billion project.

Mr Rudd, who is rumoured to be worth £50million, has had a long friendship with Lord Mandelson, who is godfather to his son. "

Go and read the whole story and then feel reassured by the line that:

"Tom Kelly, formerly the official spokesman for Tony Blair when he was prime minister, is now BAA's communications director, while Joe Irvin, former head of corporate affairs at BAA, is now a key adviser to Gordon Brown."

I am sure there is an innocent explanation for the above coincidences and I am sure that Peter Mandelson will be providing full chapter and verse in the near future. A bastion of probity like Peter Mandelson will want to clear his name as quickly as he is able...



PostScript: Why can I not find any reference to this story on the BBC website?