This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/5314632.stm

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
MPs' letter demands Blair's exit MPs' letter demands Blair's exit
(about 1 hour 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, BBC Newsnight has been told.
There is also understood to be a less severe letter signed by MPs elected in 2001, and another by ministerial aides. 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. Cabinet Minister David Miliband brushed over the news but said he expected Mr Blair to quit within 12 months.
None of the MPs' letters have so far been delivered to Downing Street. It is the first time any senior minister has put such a specific timescale for the prime minister's departure.
Mr Blair has steadfastly resisted previous calls to name a date for his departure from office. Mr Miliband said Mr Blair had not told him about a date.
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. But he added: "The conventional wisdom is that the prime minister sees himself carrying on for about another 12 months. It seems to me that that conventional wisdom is reasonable."
No letter deliveredNo letter delivered
None of the MPs' letters have so far been delivered to Downing Street.
But the letter from those elected in 2001 is understood to have been coordinated by two MPs usually seen as loyal to Mr Blair, Sion Simon and Chris Bryant.
It adds to the already mounting pressure for the prime minister to give more details about his departure plans.
He also faces criticism over plans reportedly drawn up by a group of his allies, including his pollster Philip Gould.
A leaked memo, obtained by the Daily Mirror says the prime minister's departure should promote the "triumph of Blairism".
It says Mr Blair has plans to appear on Blue Peter, Songs of Praise and Chris Evans' radio show in the lead-up to his retirement.
Poll changes
Downing Street has declined to comment on the leak.
BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said that the prime minister may not have seen the leaked memo.
The reports come as a Populus poll suggested David Cameron's Conservatives would have a strong lead over Labour whether Mr Blair stayed on, or was replaced by Gordon Brown or John Reid.
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.