Mandelson resignation ‘driven by media deadline’

The bitter war of words between Downing Street and Peter Mandelson over his dramatic resignation flared into new life today amid claims that he was driven from government to meet a media deadline.

Best-selling author Robert Harris, who is a close friend of the former Northern Ireland Secretary, said that Mr Mandelson was standing by his account of his role in the so-called ‘‘passport-for-favours’’ affair.