The Royal Mail could find itself being a major player in the worldwide shipping market without being totally sold off if Labour stay in power.

The government shelved plans to sell just under a third (30 per cent) of the company last summer, deciding that selling in the middle of the recession wouldn’t bring the best price.

Lord Mandelson has now suggested that the scheme could be brought back, with Parcel2Go's partner TNT said to be interested in buying a stake.

Vince Cable of the Liberal Democrats has also spoken of part-privatisation of the network, whilst Ken Clarke has said that the Conservatives would favour a full-scale sell-off.