The "deputy prime minister", as Lord Mandelson is now known in government, has got plenty of rave reviews recently, particularly since Labour's triumph in holding Glenrothes.
But not I gather in Hazel Blears's department, the DCLG, where I hear he has put noses badly out of joint by stalling the transfer of some £2-3bn from regional development authorities (which are under his control) to local councils (Hazels' area).
Blears and members of her team, including the minister who dreamed up the plans, John Healey, are said to be hopping mad. The idea was to "cascade" loads of money down to councils as part of the government's "localism" agenda, boringly called the sub-national review. Councils would be given more power and money to run their own economic regeneration plans and government would be brought closer to the people
All a bit technical and worthy, perhaps.
But what is intriguing is the reason for the so-called DPM's interference. What might he want that money for? Is it to help pay for the PM's tax cuts? That would be selfless of him, as he wouldn't get the credit. Could it be, then, to spend on some new wheeze to keep lots of post offices open?
Whatever, expect it to go a populist cause that could swing plenty of votes (unlike local government), and one that Mandy could associate himself with.
