Mandelson’s fear for Keir

PETER Mandelson warned yesterday that a narrow win by Labour at the next election could lead to ‘inertia and decline’ for Britain.

The former Cabinet minister, who served under both Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said Sir Keir Starmer had a year to make his mark and put the party within reach of election victory.

But he added that if Labour ‘sneaks over the finishing line’ at the next election, the party would be unable to push through its agenda. He warned Sir Keir he needs to show more ‘ambition and hard-thinking’.

Addressing the North East Chamber of Commerce in Durham, Lord Mandelson said the country was at a pivotal moment, risking a return to low-growth and high-inflation. He said: ‘We do not have to resign ourselves to inertia and decline.’

Last night a Labour spokesman said the party would unveil new policies in the coming months.