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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Brown says Blair 'is my friend' | Brown says Blair 'is my friend' |
| (about 1 hour 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 say 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. |
| The interview comes as the Cabinet meets for the first time since turmoil erupted over Labour's leadership. Mr Brown denies plotting against the PM. | |
| He will always be my friend Gordon Brown | He 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 for stepping 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. |
| Education Secretary Alan Johnson, who is seen as a potential leadership challenger to Mr Brown, is giving a speech in Exeter on Thursday. | |
| Mr Brown was asked if he would like Mr Johnson as his deputy leader. | |
| He replied: "Alan's a good friend, one of many friends, but politics isn't about personality." |