Blair under fire
Former Health Aecretary Frank Dobson has expressed concerns that Tony Blair’s intention to serve a full third term could hinder the party’s local election battles next year.
Speaking on GMTV’s Sunday programme today, Mr Dobson said: “I don’t think we can go into important local elections next year… with Tony Blair as leader and expect to keep many of the councillors we’ve got now.”
Just days after Labour returned to office with a reduced majority of 66, some politicians are openly discussing how long Mr Blair will survive.
John Austin, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, told the Sunday Times Mr Blair was a “liability” during the election. He said that Blair was a negative factor at doorstep level time and time again.
Bob Wareing, MP for Liverpool West Derby, said: “I think the chickens are coming home to roost for Blair. I am hoping the succession will happen as soon as possible.”
Clive Efford, MP for Eltham, told the Sunday Telegraph: “It will be impossible for Tony Blair to stay on for long. I favour an orderly transition to Gordon Brown. The outcome is inevitable.”
And Jon Trickett, MP for Hemsworth, added: “The overwhelming feeling in my constituency is that Tony Blair has had his day. During the campaign I heard these sentiments couched in strong and even abusive language.
“I have been loyal to the party’s domestic agenda but there must now be a smooth transition to Gordon Brown sooner rather than later, and certainly before next year’s local elections.”
Left-wing Labour MP for Islington North, Jeremy Corbyn, forecasted Mr Blair would step down within a year.
“The idea that we’re going to go for several years with a Prime Minister who’s said he’s going to resign at some point is really not acceptable,” Mr Corbyn told Channel Four.
“I think he might well decide that the end of the G8 presidency is the time to go. I don’t think he would want to go in the middle of it.”
Newly-elected Respect MP George Galloway was more forthright: “He should go. Tony Blair has led his party into the deepest swamp and worse than that, he’s led our country into that deepest swamp.”
