Economy 'strongest ever' - Blair

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Tony Blair has said the UK's economy is at its strongest ever, while responding to a Tory attack on his leadership.

Tory leader David Cameron asked why Chancellor Gordon Brown, expected to succeed Mr Blair, was never around when the prime minister was "in trouble".

Mr Blair replied that Mr Cameron wanted to cut taxes, while the chancellor had produced the "strongest economy...in our country's history".

He also rebuffed calls for a commitment to a snap election when he steps down.

Mr Blair has said he will resign as prime minister by September and is widely expected to be succeeded by Mr Brown.

For a second week running, Mr Cameron used prime minister's questions in the Commons to call on Mr Blair to stand down sooner rather than later.

Accusing Mr Blair of being "isolated", he asked if the prime minister had noticed Mr Brown's "vocal support" in recent weeks over issues such as the cash-for-honours inquiry and Iraq.

'Sensible view'

Mr Blair hit back with a tribute to Mr Brown's handling of the economy, going further than he has gone before by claiming it was stronger than at any time in the UK's history.

He contrasted the chancellor with Mr Cameron, who he accused of calling for increased spending on public services while pledging to cut tax at the same time.

"This chancellor has produced the strongest economy, the lowest interest rates, the lowest unemployment, the highest employment, in our country's history," Mr Blair said.

"Isn't the truth in British politics is that the prime minister's too isolated to govern and the chancellor's too indecisive to get rid of him? David Cameron

"That is by taking a sensible view of investment and putting investment before tax cuts. "

Mr Cameron replied: "If the chancellor's doing such a great job, bring him on - what are we waiting for?

"Isn't the truth in British politics is that the prime minister's too isolated to govern and the chancellor's too indecisive to get rid of him?"

'Ducking' decisions

Mr Blair said his government had been successful by "facing up to the difficult decisions", while Mr Cameron had been "ducking" them.

"That is the difference between a party that has leadership, and a party that has none," he said.

Meanwhile Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said Mr Blair had promised to serve "a full third term" so the British people were entitled to their say about Mr Blair's successor.

Mr Blair replied: "There was I thinking he wanted me to go but obviously he wants me to stay.

"Well I thank him for that ringing endorsement and I'm only sorry to have to disappoint him".