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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| MPs' letter demands Blair's exit | MPs' letter demands Blair's exit |
| (about 6 hours later) | |
| A letter from recently-elected Labour MPs is demanding that Tony Blair stand down as prime minister. | A letter from recently-elected Labour MPs is demanding that Tony Blair stand down as prime minister. |
| The letter signed by MPs elected in 2005 praises Mr Blair's achievements but says it is now time to go, Newsnight's Michael Crick said. | The letter signed by MPs elected in 2005 praises Mr Blair's achievements but says it is now time to go, Newsnight's Michael Crick said. |
| There is also understood to be a less severe letter signed by MPs elected in 2001, and another by ministerial aides. | |
| As many as 50 MPs might have signed one of the three circulating letters, Newsnight said. | As many as 50 MPs might have signed one of the three circulating letters, Newsnight said. |
| None of the MPs' letters have so far been delivered to Downing Street. | None of the MPs' letters have so far been delivered to Downing Street. |
| Mr Blair has steadfastly resisted previous calls to name a date for his departure from office. | Mr Blair has steadfastly resisted previous calls to name a date for his departure from office. |
| Reports of the critical letters come as a Populus poll suggested David Cameron's Tories would have a strong lead over Labour whether Mr Blair stayed on, or was replaced by Gordon Brown or John Reid. | Reports of the critical letters come as a Populus poll suggested David Cameron's Tories would have a strong lead over Labour whether Mr Blair stayed on, or was replaced by Gordon Brown or John Reid. |
| No letter delivered | No letter delivered |
| The poll of 1,504 people also suggested 30% of Labour voters and 51% of the general public wanted Mr Blair to step down this year. | The poll of 1,504 people also suggested 30% of Labour voters and 51% of the general public wanted Mr Blair to step down this year. |
| Various trade union leaders and Labour MPs have criticised the uncertainty generated by Mr Blair's failure to specify a departure date. Mr Brown will be the strong favourite to take over should Mr Blair step down. | Various trade union leaders and Labour MPs have criticised the uncertainty generated by Mr Blair's failure to specify a departure date. Mr Brown will be the strong favourite to take over should Mr Blair step down. |
| Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said Mr Blair would be handing a "gift" to the opposition parties if he did release a timetable. | Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said Mr Blair would be handing a "gift" to the opposition parties if he did release a timetable. |