Mandelson's star turn

Peter Mandelson’s animated speech to the Labour Party conference was just the tonic the dour symposium needed. His rousing performance, which targeted the Tories and also announced policy, was both self-indulgent and self-deprecating and seemed to inspire the party faithful to get over themselves and get on with the job of fighting the next election. Mandy’s theatrical performance was pure entertainment or as Sky News described it Mandy has recast himself “from pantomime villain to pantomime dame.” His best line, complete with hand gestures: "If I can come back, we can come back."

Poor Gordon, let’s see how he fares in comparison this afternoon.