Peter Mandelson, a close ally of Prime Minister Tony Blair, became the
minister in Britain’s Cabinet with responsibility for science in a government
reshuffle earlier this week. He replaces Margaret Beckett as Secretary of State
for Trade and Industry. 51¶¯Âþs are unsure what to make of the appointment.
Mandelson, MP for the northern constituency of Hartlepool, is better known as a
Labour Party “spin doctor” than for his views on science and technology.
51¶¯Âþs may have another powerful ally in the Cabinet, however. Jack
Cunningham, given a new mission to help coordinate government policy from the
Cabinet Office, holds a PhD in chemistry.
