Mandelson steps down as MP

Former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson formally stepped down as a member of parliament today to take up his new position as European commissioner.

Mr Mandelson's departure from Westminster will trigger a by-election in his Hartlepool constituency.

Although normally a safe seat for Labour, Hartlepool has seen vigorous campaigning by opposition parties over the summer, with the Liberal Democrats particularly hopeful of making a significant dent in Mr Mandelson's 14,571 majority.

A Labour party spokeswoman said that the writ for the by-election was expected to be moved in the Commons tomorrow.

There is much speculation at Westminster that Labour may choose to stage the poll on September 30, the last day of the party's conference in Brighton, in order to benefit from the boost provided by a week of intense media attention.