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Blair 'to quit as MP to be envoy' Blair 'to quit as MP to be envoy'
(about 2 hours 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 that Tony Blair may announce he is stepping 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 is 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. Mr Blair has been MP for Sedgefield, 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.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.It is likely both by-elections would be held on the same day.
Russian relationshipRussian relationship
Meanwhile, representatives from the quartet have been meeting in Jerusalem to discuss the post of envoy.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.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.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.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.""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.Chancellor Gordon Brown will take over as British prime minister on Wednesday afternoon.