NORTH West MPs have given a mixed reaction to the appointment of former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson as Britain's new European Commissioner.

Ribble Valley Tory MP, Nigel Evans has branded the appointment 'dreadful' and attacked Tony Blair for his choice.

He said: "The Prime Minister is so bereft of talent that he has had to appoint a man who has resigned from two cabinet positions as Britain's sole EU Commissioner."

But North West Euro MP Arlene McCarthy believes Mr Mandelson is a strong choice for the top European job.

She said: "As a committed pro-European and former cabinet minister, he has the political skills and talent to do this job."