Mandelson, Peter (1953–)

Although a controversial figure, few would deny that Peter Mandelson had a key role in the creation of New Labour, and that he greatly contributed to the transformation of British political communication, driving the changes in the relationship between policy and presentation and in media management. The “Prince of Darkness,” as he became known, grew to be one of Prime Minister Tony Blair's most trusted political, media, and campaign advisers.

Mandelson was the grandchild of Labour Minister Herbert Morrison. He was active in politics from his youth and was elected to the London Council of Lambeth in 1979. Disappointed with the power of the extreme left, in 1982 he went to work for London Weekend Television (LWT), which gave him both inside knowledge of the media ...