The Mandelson Problem

A scandal with long shadows

Westminster smoke. Morning lies.
PM smiles. Teeth clenched.
Old fox returns. Now new mess.
Diplomats sip. Acidic tea.

Emails flutter. Black confetti.
Names drop. Shimmer like pennies.
Vetting? A nap. Even briefer.
Integrity sells. Two-for-one sale.

Lords mutter. Lawyers bloom.
Press hounds howl. Meat scented.
Police tape gleams. Stage lights.
Truth sweats. Beneath hot bulbs.

Washington calls. Line crackles.
Friendly emails. Public blushes.
Handshake photos. Crooked angles.
Trade talk drifts. Deep into fog.

Backbenchers sharpen. Silent knives.
Irishman quits. Takes the fall.
Opposition grins. Feeds the fire.
Standards sermon. A hollow bass.

Street shrugs. Pints raised.
Public asks. Who knew?
Clean hands promised. Ink stains.
Next scandal loads. Same shotgun.