Prince of Darkness back from the wilderness ... again

Peter Mandelson's return to the Government confirms his reputation as the "comeback king" of British politics.

The man who famously declared that he was "a fighter not a quitter" was twice forced out of the Cabinet during the Blair years and still ended up with one of the most powerful jobs in the European Union. But few would have predicted the "Prince of Darkness", as many Brownites have derided him, would be brought back by his oldest political foe.

Although Mr Mandelson and Mr Brown worked closely together in the Eighties, John Smith's death in 1994 triggered one of the longest feuds in Labour's history. Mr Mandelson agonised over loyalty to Mr Brown and the recognition that Tony Blair would be a more popular choice as leader. Since siding with Mr Blair, Mr Mandelson has been viewed with contempt by Brown allies. Yet others say their relationship has been more complicated and the pair share a mutual respect.

Mr Mandelson's long-time friend, the novelist Robert Harris, pointed out he was a victim rather than a player in the Brown-Blair battle. With regard to Mr Brown, he said: "There was quite a lot of transfer of anger on to Peter that couldn't be inflicted on Blair himself."

With Mr Blair out of the way, relations are easier. Even so Mr Mandelson and Mr Brown were described by one colleague as "like scorpions in a bottle - only one will get out alive".

Today's promotion is another return from the wilderness for Mr Mandelson, whose new peerage guarantees he will be in front-line politics for many years to come.