London - Peter Mandelson, Britain's new Business Secretary, recalled early from his post as European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner, Monday took his seat in the House of Lords as Baron Mandelson of Foy in the county of Herefordshire, and of Hartlepool. The elevation to the status of Labour peer in the Upper House of the British parliament had become necessary because Mandelson, 55, no longer has a seat in the House of Commons.
By becoming a member of the upper house, he will be able to speak in parliament. Mandelson gave up his seat as member of parliament (MP) for Hartlepool, north-east England, when he took on the EU Commission post in 2004.
Mandelson, who will be known simply as Lord Mandelson - wore the traditional ermine-lined scarlet robes as he swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II in a short ceremony of induction.
He was recalled from Brussels for a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in a remarkable political comeback 10 days ago, ending a long personal feud between the two heavyweight Labour politicians.
