ANDREW PIERCE: Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson aren't ancient history... they're still pulling Keir...

Lord Mandelson recently revealed that over two decades ago, Tony Blair made the decision to ban fox hunting whilst receiving a generous donation from an animal charity for the Labour Party. Although this may seem like old news, it has sparked controversy and discussion.

However, do not be deceived, these two prominent members of the Labour Party have returned as essential advisors in Sir Keir Starmer's inner circle of advisors.

Blair and Starmer frequently converse, and they were even able to arrange a meeting at the United Nations Cop28 climate change event in Dubai. Starmer displays eagerness to learn from Labour's most experienced leader.

Mandelson has been giving spin master classes to shadow ministers who haven't had much success lately, which applies to most of them. He's always on the phone with Starmer, much like Blair was, and he was everywhere at the party conference in Liverpool last October.

The significance of the pair will increase even more if Starmer is elected as anticipated. His cabinet will lack prominent members, with only a few MPs having had experience as ministers, such as Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband.

Tony Blair and Keir Starmer frequently engage in conversation, including their meeting at the United Nations Cop28 climate change event in Dubai. Starmer, who admires Blair's tenure as the longest-serving leader of the Labour Party, is a diligent student of Blair's leadership.

Mandelson and Blair cautioned Starmer about excessive emphasis on environmental concerns and advised against tinkering with the House of Lords.

Starmer's loyal followers are unashamed of the fact that Blair and Mandelson, who have faced criticism for their past actions, have been brought back into the fold of the Labour Party. A supporter of Starmer stated that their knowledge and experience in winning elections is invaluable, especially since the party has lost the previous four.

It's obvious that they have a strong impact. Mandelson and Blair advised Starmer not to put too much emphasis on environmental matters and to steer clear of House of Lords alteration. Mandelson must have been very pleased when Starmer retreated from his Green New Deal proposal. As for the Lords, the shadow cabinet members don't mention the constitutional changes recommended in a lengthy report by Gordon Brown from last year anymore.

Starmer's opposition cabinet is filled with policy papers from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). The TBI was once a small-scale political advisory firm but has now transformed into a multinational business with branches across the globe, such as in the United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Ghana, hiring over 750 employees.

Blair's team is aiding in the creation of policy documents for Starmer's top aides, who have been warned to be open to input from the former prime minister. A Labour MP expressed frustration, stating that if Blair contacts them, he is immediately given priority access.

Starmer's strategy for strengthening ties with the European Union is yet another indication of Mandelson's impact. Mandelson, who has previously served as an EU commissioner, organized an assembly for 'Remainers' at Ditchley Park in Oxfordshire for two days during February to discuss the shortcomings of Brexit.

The decision of where to hold the event was important. It was an ideal spot for a fancy yet low-key gathering. The estate, which is now owned by the Ditchley Foundation, was once visited by Queen Elizabeth I. The foundation was established during the 1950s to encourage international connections.

The base is led by Lord Hill who was once a commissioner for EU. The board members include Mandelson, and Sir John Major who was previously a chairman and a Tory PM. He had described Brexit as a calamity. Interestingly, Mandelson, Blair, and Starmer had all actively supported the campaign for another referendum.

It may seem like old news to some people that Lord Mandelson recently made a surprising claim that Tony Blair purposely banned fox hunting in exchange for a large donation to the Labour Party from an animal charity over two decades ago.

Many individuals who previously worked with Blair now hold positions within Starmer's private office. Among them are Matthew Doyle, who worked alongside Blair during his time in opposition and while he was at Downing Street. Presently, Doyle is in charge of communication for Starmer's team. Also, there is Peter Hyman, who was one of Blair's strategists from 1994 to 2003. He now functions as a senior advisor on Starmer's team and composed Starmer's five mission statements that were issued this year. Labour MPs admit that they find it challenging to remember these statements. Additionally, Deborah Mattinson, who previously served as Blair's pollster, and Marianna McFadden, who spent six years with the TBI, both have positions in Starmer's office.

Blair's approval among Labour circles was emphasized when he and Starmer appeared together at a TBI-organized summit in July. This joint appearance with the New Labour trailblazer clearly conveyed to their party that Blairism is no longer considered a taboo topic.

During a recent interview, Blair was asked if he would be interested in participating in a government led by Starmer. In response, Blair stated that he believes the TBI is where he can be most impactful.

He told the New Statesman that it can be used in any way that someone desires, such as offering guidance and making introductions.

However, it may be wise to approach Mandelson's recommendation with careful consideration. Starmer faced ridicule from politicians on both ends of the political spectrum when he expressed admiration for Mrs. Thatcher in a recent piece of writing.

Could the ex-'Prince of Darkness' be responsible for this sudden admiration for the Iron Lady? Just a few days prior to the release of the article, Mandelson was seen having an intense conversation with Morgan McSweeney, who happens to be Starmer's chief campaign strategist, at Westminster.

As the Conservative party faces issues within its own ranks regarding their approach to Rwanda, the comeback of Blair in the political arena provides them with a strong stance to criticize.

Blair's Britain was the first to allow a large number of migrants to enter the country but it created problems for housing, schools, and healthcare. The people who supported this decision are now influencing Starmer.