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05/09/2006
'Leaked memo' reveals details of Blair's exit plan
A leaked memo has reportedly revealed details of Tony's Blair's plans to stand down as Prime Minister.
The memo, which was obtained by the 'Daily Mirror', reportedly contains details of country-wide tour ahead of Mr Blair's retirement, including plans to make a series of appearances on TV and radio shows, including 'Blue Peter', 'Songs of Praise' and Chris Evans' Radio 2 show.
According to the report, the memo, which is said to have been written by Mr Blair's closest advisers, said that Mr Blair should leave office "with the crowds wanting more". The memo reportedly said: "He should be the star who won't even play that last encore".
Downing Street said that the memo has not been seen by either Mr Blair nor any of his senior advisers.
There have also been reports that a letter has been written by a number of Labour MPs urging Mr Blair to stand down as Prime Minister.
Mr Blair has previously said that he would step down before the next General Election, but has refused to name a date for his departure.
Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb said: "Tony Blair has stated publicly that people should stop obsessing about his departure from 10 Downing Street. But behind closed doors, he seems to have instructed his advisers to obsess about every last detail.
"The public can no longer be confident that the government is focusing full-time on policies, rather than politics.
"The Prime Minister's dithering is now paralysing his government. He must make his intentions clear without further delay."
(KMcA/SP)
The memo, which was obtained by the 'Daily Mirror', reportedly contains details of country-wide tour ahead of Mr Blair's retirement, including plans to make a series of appearances on TV and radio shows, including 'Blue Peter', 'Songs of Praise' and Chris Evans' Radio 2 show.
According to the report, the memo, which is said to have been written by Mr Blair's closest advisers, said that Mr Blair should leave office "with the crowds wanting more". The memo reportedly said: "He should be the star who won't even play that last encore".
Downing Street said that the memo has not been seen by either Mr Blair nor any of his senior advisers.
There have also been reports that a letter has been written by a number of Labour MPs urging Mr Blair to stand down as Prime Minister.
Mr Blair has previously said that he would step down before the next General Election, but has refused to name a date for his departure.
Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb said: "Tony Blair has stated publicly that people should stop obsessing about his departure from 10 Downing Street. But behind closed doors, he seems to have instructed his advisers to obsess about every last detail.
"The public can no longer be confident that the government is focusing full-time on policies, rather than politics.
"The Prime Minister's dithering is now paralysing his government. He must make his intentions clear without further delay."
(KMcA/SP)
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