Byers calls for unity ahead of election
Former Cabinet Minister Stephen Byers has called for unity in the Labour Party amid fears that rivalry between potential successors to the Prime Minister could disrupt a general election campaign.
Mr Byers said the Prime Minister had fired the “starting gun” on a succession battle by announcing that the next election will be the last that he contests.
In an article in The Independent newspaper he warned of a “dangerous cocktail” with potential successors to Mr Blair trying to establish a distinct political brand at a time when the party needed to be at its most united.
Mr Blair revealed in October, following a successful heart operation, that he intended to serve a full third term but would not go on to serve a fourth.
Some commentators believe his announcement was a mistake and would reduce his power should Labour win a third term.
Mr Byers, who has served the Government as both Transport Secretary and Trade and Industry Secretary, said that to maintain unity Labour would need to form a consensus on public service reform.
He wrote: “Once a progressive consensus has been achieved – across public service reform and in other areas – then the Labour Party will rightly expect all those in positions of authority to support the agreed position. Any individual who fails to do so will pay a heavy political price.”
