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Tony Blair is my friend - Brown Brown says Blair 'is my friend'
(about 3 hours later)
Gordon Brown has insisted that Tony Blair is his friend, and always will be, despite Labour's recent squabbles.Gordon Brown has insisted that Tony Blair is his friend, and always will be, despite Labour's recent squabbles.
In a TV interview to be aired later, the chancellor admits their friendship has had its "ups and downs".In a TV interview to be aired later, the chancellor admits their friendship has had its "ups and downs".
But he says it's still been one of the strongest political relationships in history, despite reports they fell out. But he say it's still been one of the strongest political relationships in history, despite reports they fell out.
Friends of the prime minister have accused Mr Brown of orchestrating an attempted coup against him earlier this month, which he strongly denies.Friends of the prime minister have accused Mr Brown of orchestrating an attempted coup against him earlier this month, which he strongly denies.
He will always be my friend Gordon BrownHe will always be my friend Gordon Brown
Reports claimed the two men had a huge row a week ago when discussing Mr Blair's timetable to step down as prime minister.Reports claimed the two men had a huge row a week ago when discussing Mr Blair's timetable to step down as prime minister.
Some observers say the two men's rivalry has become bitter over the years.Some observers say the two men's rivalry has become bitter over the years.
In an interview being broadcast on Sky News Lunchtime Live, Mr Brown was asked if Mr Blair is his friend.In an interview being broadcast on Sky News Lunchtime Live, Mr Brown was asked if Mr Blair is his friend.
The chancellor replied: "Yes, and he will always be my friend. And you build friendships, but friendships have ups and downs as well."The chancellor replied: "Yes, and he will always be my friend. And you build friendships, but friendships have ups and downs as well."
'Skill and sensitivity''Skill and sensitivity'
He added: "Tony Blair has been a wonderful leader for the Labour Party and I think over the 23 years I have known Tony, this has been one of the strongest political relationships in history.He added: "Tony Blair has been a wonderful leader for the Labour Party and I think over the 23 years I have known Tony, this has been one of the strongest political relationships in history.
"I think Tony Blair has led the country with a tremendous amount of ability, skill, acumen and sensitivity to what the British people want to see done.""I think Tony Blair has led the country with a tremendous amount of ability, skill, acumen and sensitivity to what the British people want to see done."
He dismissed questions about whether the two men had done a deal in 1994, in which Mr Brown agreed not to contest the leadership as long as Mr Blair would pass it to him later.He dismissed questions about whether the two men had done a deal in 1994, in which Mr Brown agreed not to contest the leadership as long as Mr Blair would pass it to him later.
And he hailed Mr Blair's achievements, listing Northern Ireland, hospitals and schools, high employment and economic stability as highlights.And he hailed Mr Blair's achievements, listing Northern Ireland, hospitals and schools, high employment and economic stability as highlights.