Blair: Mandelson job a ‘no-brainer’

Peter Mandelson sought approval from Tony Blair before agreeing to return to government for a third time, it has emerged. The former Prime Minister told Mandelson that a political comeback as Gordon Brown's business secretary was a "no-brainer".

Mandelson, who abandoned his role as EU trade commissioner to take up the role, said the job offer had taken him by surprise. "I took some time to say yes, but in the end I thought it was the only thing I could and should do," he said.

Blair's backing of Mandelson will be seen as a blow to David Miliband, the foreign secretary, who has been encouraged by many Blairities to prepare for a challenge for the premiership.

Meanwhile the new Business Secretary is to have a kidney stone removed after attending the first meeting of the National Economic Council. Mandelson underwent hospital tests after experiencing kidney pain in recent days, a spokesman for the business department confirmed: "Hospital tests yesterday confirmed that there is a small stone. This will be dealt with by the normal procedures later today.

He added: "He will be attending the National Economic Council meeting this morning as expected."