Cameron branded a 'Blair rip-off'

David Cameron should not just copy other battle plans, says Mr Mandelson

Tory leader David Cameron is a "rip-off" of Tony Blair, former Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson has claimed.

Mr Mandelson, a close confidant of the prime minister, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme Mr Cameron's a style was a "challenge" to the government.

But he said the Mr Cameron needed to work out what he stood for.

"Whenever David Cameron opens his mouth, I can hear echoes of Blair circa 1994. I think he is a bit of a rip-off," said Mr Mandelson.

"What David Cameron probably needs to do is work out exactly where he stands and what he believes in and what he wants to do rather than trying to borrow somebody else's battle plan."

'Decision point'

The former MP, now a European commissioner, said everyone was "watching with great interest" as Mr Cameron confronted Gordon Brown, who is likely to be Labour leader at the next election.

Mr Mandelson was seen as a key architect of the New Labour project during the 1990s.

He echoed Mr Blair's warning that Labour must keep on with its reforms in the face of the new Tory challenge.

"I think just as others have observed that the government, new Labour, faces a point of decision in its history," said Mr Mandelson.

"We have a different domestic climate, a new Conservative leader who is obviously adopting a rather different strategy from his predecessors.

"That presents a challenge to new Labour and I'm absolutely sure new Labour's unity, its sense of purpose and its reforming spirit must remain if we are going to make sure we withstand that challenge."

Mr Mandelson's criticisms of Mr Cameron come after media tycoon Rupert Murdoch said the Tory leader currently seemed to be "all about image" rather than shaping a real alternative to Labour.

"If you believe everything he says, there's not going to be an alternative between him and a New Labour government certainly," Mr Murdoch told BBC Radio Five Live.