Pressure on Blair to name date

12 April 2012

Pleas by Blairite ministers for an end to speculation about the Labour leadership fell on deaf ears as anger mounts over the Prime Minister's refusal to set an exit timetable.

Hilary Armstrong, the Social Exclusion Minister and a key Blair ally, warned the party not to "retreat into itself" or resort to "tittle tattle" over the transition.

She said it must be seen to be addressing the issues that really concerned the public.

Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton, a fellow Blairite, said endless speculation about departure dates was "a massive turnoff" for the country.

He urged Cabinet colleagues to focus on the policies that would secure Labour a fourth term.

The Prime Minister has dismissed calls to set a timetable for his departure at the party conference this month and told MPs to stop "obsessing" about it.

However, his stance has infuriated even usually loyal MPs many of whom fear the lack of clarity is damaging their electoral prospects.

Meanwhile, a survey for BBC Radio 4's World This Weekend suggested that demands for Mr Blair to set an exit date at the conference are gaining momentum. It also found that a majority think he should stand down as soon as possible.

Mr Blair has pledged to give his successor ample time to settle in before the next General Election expected in 2009 or 2010.

But many MPs want clarity before elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly next May.

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