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'No second EU term' for Mandelson No 10 denies Mandelson EU rethink
(20 minutes later)
Peter Mandelson is not expected to serve a second term as the UK's EU commissioner in Brussels, the prime minister's official spokesman has said. The prime minister's official spokesman has dampened speculation that Peter Mandelson might serve a second term as the UK's EU commissioner in Brussels.
The comment comes despite reports the ex-cabinet minister was considering a second four-year term in the job. It had been reported the ex-cabinet minister was considering remaining in the job he took up in November 2004.
It was suggested Mr Mandelson was thinking about staying on after a conversation with Gordon Brown. This followed a conversation last month with Gordon Brown, it was suggested. Mr Brown picks the person for the role.
However, Mr Brown's spokesman told journalists: "Mr Mandelson has said he wouldn't be serving a second term." But the prime minister's spokesman told journalists: "Mr Mandelson has said he wouldn't be serving a second term."
He added that the prime minister believed Mr Mandelson "has been a very good commissioner".He added that the prime minister believed Mr Mandelson "has been a very good commissioner".
The spokesman said No 10 was still in the early stages of deciding who would be the next person in the role. The spokesman said No 10 was still in the early stages of deciding who would be the next person in the five-year role.
It is up to the prime minister of the day to appoint the UK's commissioner - Mr Mandelson was appointed to the position by previous prime minister Tony Blair.It is up to the prime minister of the day to appoint the UK's commissioner - Mr Mandelson was appointed to the position by previous prime minister Tony Blair.
'Can't fire me'
Mr Mandelson said a year ago that he would step down as the European Union's trade commissioner in 2009.
There had been speculation that he would lose his role when Mr Brown took office, as the pair reportedly fell out when Mr Mandelson backed Mr Blair for the Labour leadership 14 years ago.
The former Northern Ireland Secretary said Mr Brown "can't actually fire me" when pressed on the matter in a BBC interview last March.
"Like it or not, I'm afraid he will have to accept me as commissioner until November 2009," he added.
"But I will not be seeking a nomination for a further term after that time."