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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Blair exit timetable to be agreed | Blair exit timetable to be agreed |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is expected to agree a timetable next week for the leadership election to replace Tony Blair. | Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is expected to agree a timetable next week for the leadership election to replace Tony Blair. |
| The BBC understands Labour officials have settled on a seven-week campaign for both the leader and deputy leader to run simultaneously. | The BBC understands Labour officials have settled on a seven-week campaign for both the leader and deputy leader to run simultaneously. |
| It would be followed by the "coronation" of the new leader and deputy leader at a special conference. | It would be followed by the "coronation" of the new leader and deputy leader at a special conference. |
| It is not yet known when Mr Blair will announce his departure. | It is not yet known when Mr Blair will announce his departure. |
| But if, as widely predicted, it is after the Scottish and Welsh elections on 4 May, the country could have a new prime minister by 22 June. | But if, as widely predicted, it is after the Scottish and Welsh elections on 4 May, the country could have a new prime minister by 22 June. |
| Chancellor Gordon Brown is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mr Blair as prime minister. | Chancellor Gordon Brown is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mr Blair as prime minister. |
| So far two contenders from the left of the party, John McDonnell and Michael Meacher, have said they intend to challenge him. | |
| Nomination | Nomination |
| The first week of the seven-week campaign, would cover the nomination period, when all candidates would be required to show they had support of at least 44 MPs. | The first week of the seven-week campaign, would cover the nomination period, when all candidates would be required to show they had support of at least 44 MPs. |
| That would be followed by six weeks of campaigning, with voting among MPs, party members and unions taking place over the final three weeks. | That would be followed by six weeks of campaigning, with voting among MPs, party members and unions taking place over the final three weeks. |
| BBC political correspondent James Hardy said that - if no-one gains enough support to run against Gordon Brown for the leadership - there is a strong possibility he will still be required to attend hustings around the country along with the deputy leadership candidates. | |
| There are now six declared runners to replace John Prescott in the deputy's job when he stands down with Mr Blair this year. | There are now six declared runners to replace John Prescott in the deputy's job when he stands down with Mr Blair this year. |
| Labour chairman Hazel Blears, ministers Peter Hain and Harriet Harman are in the race. | Labour chairman Hazel Blears, ministers Peter Hain and Harriet Harman are in the race. |
| The other contenders for the deputy role are Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson and backbencher Jon Cruddas. | The other contenders for the deputy role are Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson and backbencher Jon Cruddas. |