Political stories have a knack of building to a critical mass. The speculation over Tony Blair’s tenure as PM is no exception. The letter from new MPs demanding a timetable for his exit was, perhaps, just the latest page in the long running saga of the man’s departure from office. However it looks as if it will be the most wounding:
Tony Blair has faced a wave of resignations by junior members of his government over his refusal to name a date for resignation as Labour leader.
He branded ex-junior minister Tom Watson, the most senior person to quit, “disloyal, discourteous and wrong” for signing a letter urging him to go.
Frankly, having read Watson’s letter, I thought him anything but “disloyal, discourteous and wrong”. Indeed, this is a man who regrets having to take the action that he has, but is doing so for what he believes is in the best interests of his party and the country as a whole. Of course, I may not agree with Watson’s view of what is best for the country as a whole, nor do I agree with his assessment of Blair’s legacy, but I do recognise that he is acting for what he considers a good reason – that the Labour Party now has an electoral liability as a leader. If Blair hadn’t felt the need to cling to power, the matter would not have arisen. But, then, Blair is just one more example of the corrupting nature of power.
This story looks much like the end game for Blair’s premiership. He may want to hang on until he passes the Thatcher record in office but I suspect events will overtake him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is gone by the weekend. I won’t be shedding any tears either.
I do hope, though, that we then see a leadership contest rather than an coronation.