London - A report linking the former British trade and industry secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, with a new role as an election strategist with the African National Congress (ANC) was firmly denied by his office yesterday, writes Rachel Donnelly.
A spokesman for the MP for Hartlepool said: "Peter Mandelson has been offered no role and has no contact with the ANC about any possible role in the election campaign."
A report in the London Times yesterday claimed Mr Mandelson was preparing to travel to South Africa to take up a post as a special political adviser to the ANC to ensure the party's return to power and "the smooth transition . . . and the election of Thabo Mbeki as president".
A spokeswoman for the ANC told BBC R4 yesterday the party had not drawn up a list of names but would "definitely not" turn down an offer from Mr Mandelson. Downing Street said any ANC role for Mr Mandelson was "a party matter and not a matter for the Government".