Blair’s Reverse Gear
Tony Blair used to say that he would resign if he became an electoral liability. Today the Observer reports that Blair admits that he has become “an issue”, but now he is saying that he will only resign when he feels he is no longer able to make “a contribution”. Which could mean anything.
Blair also claims that although he is an issue, that no other leader would fare better: “I am an issue, I always will be. Whoever is the Prime Minister will be.” OK, Let’s get this straight: although he is an issue, he’s actually not an issue at all, because anyone else would be just as much of an issue, presumably because it’s the labour party that is the real issue? That’s pretty rich, considering his presidential style of leadership, and the way in which he has ignored the concerns of his party.
So Blair suggests that replacing him would not help the party’s fortunes in the general election. A poll published last week by the Independent on Sunday suggests otherwise. Blair or the general public, I just don’t know who to believe.