British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Friday nominated his close ally and former government minister Peter Mandelson as Britain's next European commissioner. Mandelson helped orchestrate the ruling Labour Party's successful 1997 election campaign. He has held high office twice in Blair's government, but resigned from both positions because of controversy. Blair spoke to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso earlier Friday to pass on the nomination «and received a positive response,» a spokesman for Blair's office said. «How Europe develops, especially a Europe of 25, will be crucial for the future of Britain, which is why we need the very best person representing Britain in Europe,» Blair said in a statement. «Peter Mandelson has the skills, ability and contacts in Europe to make a great success of it.» Mandelson is expected to take up his post on Nov. 1, once the college of commissioners has been approved by the European parliament. In a statement, Mandelson said he was «delighted» to have been nominated. «It is a great honor as well as a huge challenge and I will give it my all,» he said.
