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Blair 'to quit as MP to be envoy' | Blair 'to quit as MP to be envoy' |
(22 minutes later) | |
The Labour Party has been put on standby for an announcement by Tony Blair that he may step down as the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield. | The Labour Party has been put on standby for an announcement by Tony Blair that he may step down as the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield. |
Officials said Mr Blair was expected to attend a meeting of his local party hours after quitting as prime minister. | Officials said Mr Blair was expected to attend a meeting of his local party hours after quitting as prime minister. |
He is thought likely to quit if he is confirmed as a Middle East envoy on Wednesday by the Mid-East quartet - of the US, Russia, the UN and the EU. | He is thought likely to quit if he is confirmed as a Middle East envoy on Wednesday by the Mid-East quartet - of the US, Russia, the UN and the EU. |
He has been MP for Sedgefield, which is in north east England, since 1983. | He has been MP for Sedgefield, which is in north east England, since 1983. |
Downing Street refused to comment on Mr Blair's plans, but a local source in his Sedgefield constituency said: "If he gets a job on the worldwide stage, I think there will be a by-election." | Downing Street refused to comment on Mr Blair's plans, but a local source in his Sedgefield constituency said: "If he gets a job on the worldwide stage, I think there will be a by-election." |
There is also expected to be a by-election in Ealing Southall, prompted by the death of local MP Piara Khabra last week. | |
It is likely both by-elections would be held on the same day. | |
Russian relationship | |
Meanwhile, representatives from the quartet have been meeting in Jerusalem to discuss the post of envoy. | |
US President Bush supports Mr Blair in the role, but diplomatic sources told the BBC that frosty relations between Russia and Britain were behind a delay in any announcement. | |
However, senior UN officials describe Mr Blair as a star player who will bring energy to the Middle East peace process. | |
Speaking on his last full job as British prime minister, Mr Blair said: "I think that anybody who cares about greater peace and stability in the world knows that a lasting and enduring resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian issue is essential. | |
"And I will do whatever I can to help such a resolution come about." | |
Chancellor Gordon Brown will take over as British prime minister on Wednesday afternoon. |