‘Build a narrative and fight back’: Mandelson draws on own advice for crisis management
The Guardian
The crisis PR consultant Mark Borkowski said the instruction of Mishcon de Reya was a sign that Mandelson believed that “attack was the best form of defence”. He suggested the police would be under pressure over what now appeared to have been a “performative arrest”.
Up until the search of Mandelson’s homes in early February, the peer had dealt with media queries personally. The change of approach did carry risks, Lyons said, and certainly the continued drama was a thorn in the side of Starmer’s government as it sought to reset.
“It’s understandable why the peer wants to present himself as the victim of an injustice – and mentioning his desire to stay with his husband and dog was a nice human touch,” he said. “But the danger is, given all that has come out, this approach only serves to anger the police while further alienating the public. I’m sure he will be at pains to present himself as cooperating fully going forward.”