It’s over and out (again) for Mandelson, but how many political lives does Starmer have left? | Gaby Hinsliff

The PM’s decision to stand by Mandelson has done the unthinkable: united a fractured Labour party, in collective rage

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Once is unfortunate. Twice is clearly careless. But there are few words available for a family newspaper to describe hiring Peter Mandelson thrice, only for him to become mired in yet another career-derailing scandal.

Rarely has the Labour party been so united as it is now in rage. Once again, the Prince of Darkness is dragging everyone through the mud, thanks to his moth-like attraction to wealth and power. Once again, awkward questions are being asked about his integrity, or what he disclosed and when. The only surprise is that this time it unravelled so fast: just seven months from resurrection to disgrace.

Gaby Hinsliff is a Guardian columnist