The poor relationship between Lord Mandelson and his successor as Trade Commissioner is an open secret at the top levels of the Government. Although he has kept his contempt private, Baroness Ashton of Upholland let her view slip when she was interviewed last year after replacing him. "Everyone has their own style," she began. "Peter did a fantastic job in my view, but I bring a different style. For some people, that style is more what they're looking for." For those failing to draw the distinction, she added: "I don't know any oligarchs. I don't think I've ever been on anyone's yacht." It is little surprise, then, that the First Secretary had other choices in mind when it came to deciding who should secure Britain's place in the new Commission. But the dismay on both sides of the Channel after she was confirmed victorious goes wider than personal animosity.
The poor relationship between Lord Mandelson and his successor as Trade Commissioner is an open secret at the top levels of the Government.
Although he has kept his contempt private, Baroness Ashton of Upholland let her view slip when she was interviewed last year after replacing him. "Everyone has their own style," she began. "Peter did a fantastic job in my view, but I bring a different style. For some people, that style is more what they're looking for."
For those failing to draw the distinction, she added: "I don't know any oligarchs. I don't think I've ever been on anyone's yacht."
It is little surprise, then, that the First Secretary had other choices in mind when it came to deciding who should secure Britain's place in the new Commission. But the dismay on both sides of the Channel after she was confirmed victorious goes wider than personal animosity.
