If there was any doubt that the Labour Party supports hereditary privilege it has been eliminated by a revelation about the artistic preferences of Peter Mandleson, a senior minister in the last government. According to reports of an exhibition of works of art purchased by the state, Mandleson’s choices for decorating his offices while business secretary of state included two portraits of British “queens”. The minister who found inspiration at work from images of feudal privilges also took the feudal title of “Lord” and the position of legislator-for-life.