Blair to 'make position clear next week'
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said today that he will make a “definitive” statement next week on his plans to leave No 10 – as June 30 emerged as the likely date for the hand-over to his successor.
Speaking on GMTV in an interview to mark his 10th anniversary in office, the Prime Minister said: “I will make my position clear next week. I will say something definitive then.”
He also heaped praise on Chancellor Gordon Brown – his expected successor - saying that he would make “a great prime minister”.
“One of the things I very much hope will be part of the legacy of the Government is the strongest economy in the Western world which he has been responsible for,” he said.
“I have always said about him that he would make a great prime minister and I believe that.”
Mr Blair is finally expected to endorse Mr Brown as his successor next week, amid signs that no other member of the Cabinet is now prepared to mount a bid for the leadership.
His comments came as it emerged that Mr Brown could take over at No 10 on June 30 after winning support at an electoral college attended by delegates from across the country.
A projected timetable is being distributed among MPs, officials and trade union leaders laying down the exact process of electing Mr Blair’s successor.
Approximately 48 days after Mr Blair resigns, an electoral college will be held, almost certainly in London, attended by delegates from unions and other affiliated organisations, constituency Labour parties, and MPs and MEPs.
Union officials and other Labour Party figures are now working on the assumption that the college will be held on Saturday June 30, although it is possible it could be held on Sunday July 1.
Mr Blair is widely expected to resign on May 9 or 10 following this week’s elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and English councils, taking the process of naming his successor to the last week in June.
There is a widespread belief that the electoral college will be held on a Saturday in central London to make it easier for delegates to travel.
The projected timetable says that on day one Mr Blair and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott will announce their resignations.
On day two, unions and other party affiliates will be updated on the process and timetable.
A communications pack will be sent out on day three detailing nomination forms and information about the electoral college.
Nominations will open on day three and close on day six or seven.
Hustings will start in week two and supporting nominations will open.
The hustings will continue in weeks three and four and ballot papers will be sent out in week five.
The ballot will be held in week six and close in week seven.
The projected timetable says that on day 48 the electoral college takes place, made up of unions, constituency Labour parties, the Parliamentary Labour Party and a few other affiliated organisations.
Labour Party sources said today that MPs and union officials were being given details of the process but the exact timing depended on the date of Mr Blair’s resignation.
