Shun mishtake
Peter Mandelson
, Issue 1658
The next day's Mail was equally unforgiving. "Starmer faced mounting questions over his political judgement," its front page scoffed, pointing out there had been a "string of warnings" ahead of Mandy's appointment as ambassador in Washington.
Indeed it is all very embarrassing for those who chose to let bygones be bygones and rally to Mandelson's colours – including the media organisation which co-hosted his drinks reception ahead of the traditional White House Correspondent's Dinner in April, emblazoning his ambassador's residence in DC with its branding.
"This is a 'pinch yourself' moment for me, hosting tonight's reception in partnership with the Daily Mail," Mandelson simpered on the night, enthusing about how the "storied" title was now "one of the most widely read news websites in America and across the world... But tonight, the only 'side-bar of shame' is the one set up in the garden serving cocktails!"
Awkward Times
Things were even more awkward over at the Times, where until his appointment to the court of King Trump, Mandelson was co-host of the paper's much-hyped podcast, How to Win an Election.
News of his sacking broke during the live broadcast on Hugo Rifkind's show – leaving Mandelson's replacement presenter, former New Labour colleague Sally Morgan, to splutter about how it was "really unfortunate for the UK", and columnist Danny Finkelstein to murmur: "I did always worry about this Epstein issue... he clearly made quite a big mistake, odd completely to fathom, with his relationship with Epstein."
This was something Finkelstein omitted to bring up in the gushing valedictory episode the team put out on 7 January entitled "How to Say Goodbye to Peter". Although, to be fair, their outgoing co-presenter did silkily point out on that occasion: "You know me very well, there's always a comeback waiting round the corner, so don't write me off just yet, thank you." Watch this space!
Next issue on sale: 1st October 2025
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SLY WICKHAM
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HOMES SCHOOLING
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BIAS CUT
After Allison Pearson made an inaccurate claim in a live stage version of her Planet Normal podcast, the Telegraph quietly edited the recorded version.
SNAP DECISION
The Guardian's style guide is lengthy, comprehensive and definitive – but its own head of photography has identified one "demeaning" term it overlooks.
FILTHY REACH
The vast job losses which the last Eye forecast would accompany the "radical reorganisation" of newspaper behemoth Reach plc have materialised.
