11/05/2005
Blair tells party they can win fourth term
Prime Minister Tony Blair has faced down his detractors as he met with Labour MPs for the first time since last week’s General Election.
Mr Blair told MPs that Labour could win a fourth-term victory and was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation. He said: “Our job is to implement the manifesto, but it’s only going to be carried through if we are united as a political party.”
Referring to the fact that this will be his last term as party leader, Mr Blair said: “Our fourth victory will be under different leadership, but we have to remain united until then.”
Mr Blair was expected to come under fire from backbenchers in today’s meeting. There have been repeated calls for him to resign, after Labour’s performance in the General Election last Thursday. Although the party was elected for a historic third term, their majority was dramatically reduced from 161 to 67.
Mr Blair also faced further criticism earlier this week for his Cabinet reshuffle, which contained appointments that were regarded by many to be controversial. These included Labour donor Lord Drayson, who was made a junior minister in the department of defence and former Downing Street education advisor, Andrew Adonis, who was made a peer and given the post of junior education minister.
However, two of Mr Blair’s Cabinet ministers defended his choices. Commenting on Lord Grayson, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell described him as a “distinguished industrialist”.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly also quashed claims that she had been opposed to the appointment of Lord Adonis, saying that she was “delighted” with her team.
Speaking after today’s meeting, newly appointed Defence Secretary John Reid said it had been a “great meeting”. He said the “silent majority” who supported Mr Blair were no longer silent. He said: “They made their views known and you saw it in the standing ovation just now.”
Another Labour MP Ken Purchase also told reporters “everyone who appeared to say Tony Blair was less than perfect got shouted down”.
During the meeting the MPs also elected the Speaker. Michael Martin was unanimously elected to resume his position.
Parliament is due to formally begin on May 17.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Blair told MPs that Labour could win a fourth-term victory and was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation. He said: “Our job is to implement the manifesto, but it’s only going to be carried through if we are united as a political party.”
Referring to the fact that this will be his last term as party leader, Mr Blair said: “Our fourth victory will be under different leadership, but we have to remain united until then.”
Mr Blair was expected to come under fire from backbenchers in today’s meeting. There have been repeated calls for him to resign, after Labour’s performance in the General Election last Thursday. Although the party was elected for a historic third term, their majority was dramatically reduced from 161 to 67.
Mr Blair also faced further criticism earlier this week for his Cabinet reshuffle, which contained appointments that were regarded by many to be controversial. These included Labour donor Lord Drayson, who was made a junior minister in the department of defence and former Downing Street education advisor, Andrew Adonis, who was made a peer and given the post of junior education minister.
However, two of Mr Blair’s Cabinet ministers defended his choices. Commenting on Lord Grayson, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell described him as a “distinguished industrialist”.
Education Secretary Ruth Kelly also quashed claims that she had been opposed to the appointment of Lord Adonis, saying that she was “delighted” with her team.
Speaking after today’s meeting, newly appointed Defence Secretary John Reid said it had been a “great meeting”. He said the “silent majority” who supported Mr Blair were no longer silent. He said: “They made their views known and you saw it in the standing ovation just now.”
Another Labour MP Ken Purchase also told reporters “everyone who appeared to say Tony Blair was less than perfect got shouted down”.
During the meeting the MPs also elected the Speaker. Michael Martin was unanimously elected to resume his position.
Parliament is due to formally begin on May 17.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.