Tories have voiced alarm that Lord Mandelson could be back at work in the House of Lords by Christmas after being sacked as US ambassador.
The New Labour architect was ousted yesterday after it emerged he sent extraordinary emails to his 'best pal' Jeffrey Epstein.
Downing Street said the supportive messages to the notorious paedophile 'materially' changed the calculation on whether the peer could continue in the key role.
Lord Mandelson has insisted he regrets continuing his friendship with Epstein after he was convicted in the US.
The peer is currently on a leave of absence from the House of Lords, which began at the end of January and is due to last for the rest of the Parliamentary session.
