Plans to sell off a stake in Royal Mail could be delayed, according to reports.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson reportedly wants the plan to go ahead before the next General Election but it is being "jostled" for space in the legislative programme.

He said the depressed state of the economy is another reason for delaying legislation.

Lord Mandelson said: "I want to retain the slot, but... I have to concede that the original linking of the legislative passage and the bidding process for the strategic partner has been decoupled."

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