`"Mandelson can be argued to have been "advising" from principle."` Aside from when media folk kept inviting him to swanky dinners. But aside from that I agree

`"Mandelson can be argued to have been "advising" from principle."` Aside from when media folk kept inviting him to swanky dinners. But aside from that I agree, advisers advise on policy which leads to actual policy decisions, but advisers should have at least some background otherwise it's just dangerous.