Mandelson warning sparks Labour leadership clashes

The battle for the British Labour leadership sparked into life today, as one of the architects of New Labour, Peter Mandelson, warned victory for Ed Miliband could take the party into an “electoral cul-de-sac”.

Speculation was rife at Westminster that the former business secretary’s intervention may be paving the way for Tony Blair’s endorsement of Mr Miliband’s elder brother – and main leadership rival – David.