Mandelson to take seat in Lords

Peter Mandelson is to take his seat in the House of Lords on Monday following his surprise return to the cabinet.

The new business secretary will be introduced to the upper house in a ceremony during which his official title will be read out.

It is not yet clear if Mr Mandelson will choose to attach a geographical location, such as his old parliamentary constituency Hartlepool, to his title.

Gordon Brown shocked many within Labour by bringing him back into the cabinet.

The decision caused ructions within the party with many regarding the move as inspired - but others warning that Mr Mandelson could prove a divisive figure with Labour trailing in the polls.

Consulted Blair

Before becoming EU Trade Commissioner in 2004, Mr Mandelson resigned twice from the cabinet under a cloud.

Mr Mandelson has said he was surprised to be offered a cabinet job and disclosed that he had consulted former Prime Minister Tony Blair before accepting.

He has urged Labour to unite behind Gordon Brown's leadership and shrugged off concerns about past disagreements between the two.

The Conservatives have described Mr Mandelson's return as "desperate" and criticised the fact that, although a secretary of state, he will not be accountable to MPs in the House of Commons.

Confirming Monday's ceremony, a parliamentary spokesman said "any peer can decide what they wish their title to include".

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