Menu
09/05/2006
Brown discusses 'transfer of power' as Labour support fades
Support for Labour is at its lowest level since 1992, a new opinion poll has suggested.
The poll, published in 'The Times', showed the Conservatives on 38% - an increase of four points - while Labour slumped six points to 30%. The Liberal Democrats also dropped one point to 20%.
The poll coincided with comments made by Chancellor Gordon Brown, suggesting that Mr Blair was preparing to discuss details of his eventual handover of power with senior Cabinet colleagues.
Speaking on GMTV, Mr Brown, who is widely seen as the successor to Mr Blair, said that the Prime Minister had talked about handling the transfer of power in a "stable and orderly way" and said that it would "prove to the world" that Labour could "do these things in a unified and proper way".
On Monday night, Mr Blair announced that he was give his successor ample time to "bed in" before the next general election, which has to take place by May 2010 and is expected to be held in 2009.
However, Mr Blair refused to give details of a timetable for the handover of power, saying: "To state a timetable now would simply paralyse the proper working of government, put at risk the necessary changes we are making for Britain and therefore damage the country."
(KMcA)
The poll, published in 'The Times', showed the Conservatives on 38% - an increase of four points - while Labour slumped six points to 30%. The Liberal Democrats also dropped one point to 20%.
The poll coincided with comments made by Chancellor Gordon Brown, suggesting that Mr Blair was preparing to discuss details of his eventual handover of power with senior Cabinet colleagues.
Speaking on GMTV, Mr Brown, who is widely seen as the successor to Mr Blair, said that the Prime Minister had talked about handling the transfer of power in a "stable and orderly way" and said that it would "prove to the world" that Labour could "do these things in a unified and proper way".
On Monday night, Mr Blair announced that he was give his successor ample time to "bed in" before the next general election, which has to take place by May 2010 and is expected to be held in 2009.
However, Mr Blair refused to give details of a timetable for the handover of power, saying: "To state a timetable now would simply paralyse the proper working of government, put at risk the necessary changes we are making for Britain and therefore damage the country."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 September 2006
MPs resign as pressure on Blair mounts
Seven Labour MPs have quit their government posts over Tony Blair's refusal to say when he will step down as Prime Minister. Junior defence minister Tom Watson was the first to quit his post, followed by five parliamentary secretaries: Khalid Mahmood, Wayne David, Ian Lucas, Mark Tami, Chris Mole and David Wright.
MPs resign as pressure on Blair mounts
Seven Labour MPs have quit their government posts over Tony Blair's refusal to say when he will step down as Prime Minister. Junior defence minister Tom Watson was the first to quit his post, followed by five parliamentary secretaries: Khalid Mahmood, Wayne David, Ian Lucas, Mark Tami, Chris Mole and David Wright.
23 February 2012
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
Cherie Blair Latest To Sue News International
Cherie Blair, the former Labour leaders wife, has become the latest person to begin legal proceedings against News of the World owners, News International.
24 October 2005
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
01 April 2004
MCB slammed for letter urging Muslims to support police
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has been accused of urging Muslims to commit "apostasy" after calling on all right-thinking members of the faith to support the police in detecting potentially illegal or terrorist activities.
MCB slammed for letter urging Muslims to support police
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has been accused of urging Muslims to commit "apostasy" after calling on all right-thinking members of the faith to support the police in detecting potentially illegal or terrorist activities.
18 April 2003
Blair's resignation fear over war in Iraq
In his first interview since the conclusion of the conflict in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed that he would have quit if he lost party support in a crucial Commons vote on military intervention.
Blair's resignation fear over war in Iraq
In his first interview since the conclusion of the conflict in Iraq, Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed that he would have quit if he lost party support in a crucial Commons vote on military intervention.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
