alan45
29-04-2007, 09:42
TONY Blair will announce he is standing down on May 10, the Mirror has been told.
Senior sources say the Prime Minister has decided on the date after intense discussions with his family, friends and key advisers.
His announcement will trigger a seven-week leadership and deputy leadership campaign.
Mr Blair will stay on until the results are known.
The PM had long been expected to bow out on May 9, when he will return from Belfast having seen the restoration of self-government in Northern Ireland - one of his greatest achievements.:rolleyes:
But the Mirror has learned that he will hang on for one more day so he can say an emotional farewell to ministers at the weekly Thursday Cabinet meeting. He will then confirm what he first revealed in September 2004 - he will not see through a fourth term.
Speculation that Mr Blair would go earlier deepened after it was suggested he would stand down on Tuesday - his 10th anniversary in office. His departure would then overshadow the local, Scottish and Welsh elections. But the PM's spokesman said: "The story is wrong."
Mr Blair, asked about it on a trip to Poland, said: "You know I never discuss these issues but I wouldn't hold your breath on that story."
He is planning a low-key celebration of his 10th year as PM, but has written a 22-page dossier of his achievements for his MPs. The PM says Labour has changed the country and proved there can be social justice and economic prosperity at the same time.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is expected to become the next PM. There are six contenders for the deputy's job.
Mr Brown is likely to face just one left-wing contender because Michael Meacher and John McDonnell will reveal this weekend that the candidate with the most supporters will mount a solo bid.
Barring a major political earthquake, Mr Brown will be installed at Number 10 by mid to late July.
All I can say is :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Senior sources say the Prime Minister has decided on the date after intense discussions with his family, friends and key advisers.
His announcement will trigger a seven-week leadership and deputy leadership campaign.
Mr Blair will stay on until the results are known.
The PM had long been expected to bow out on May 9, when he will return from Belfast having seen the restoration of self-government in Northern Ireland - one of his greatest achievements.:rolleyes:
But the Mirror has learned that he will hang on for one more day so he can say an emotional farewell to ministers at the weekly Thursday Cabinet meeting. He will then confirm what he first revealed in September 2004 - he will not see through a fourth term.
Speculation that Mr Blair would go earlier deepened after it was suggested he would stand down on Tuesday - his 10th anniversary in office. His departure would then overshadow the local, Scottish and Welsh elections. But the PM's spokesman said: "The story is wrong."
Mr Blair, asked about it on a trip to Poland, said: "You know I never discuss these issues but I wouldn't hold your breath on that story."
He is planning a low-key celebration of his 10th year as PM, but has written a 22-page dossier of his achievements for his MPs. The PM says Labour has changed the country and proved there can be social justice and economic prosperity at the same time.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is expected to become the next PM. There are six contenders for the deputy's job.
Mr Brown is likely to face just one left-wing contender because Michael Meacher and John McDonnell will reveal this weekend that the candidate with the most supporters will mount a solo bid.
Barring a major political earthquake, Mr Brown will be installed at Number 10 by mid to late July.
All I can say is :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: