Should Blair Go: No

By Jason Moore I never thought that I would be writing this, but I don't want Tony Blair to step-down. Judging by his speech on Tuesday he doesn't have any intention of doing so but the thought of Chancellor Gordon Brown in Number 10 sends a shiver done my spine. Why I don't know, perhaps it is because he is still rather an unknown quantity, perhaps my feelings can be summed-up with “better the devil you know.” We are without doubt living in uncertain times and Britain is at threat. It could be argued that Blair has made Britain an even greater target because of his ill-conceived policy on Iraq but you do get the impression that the country is in safe hands. My admiration for Blair increased dramatically this summer. I thought he showed great leadership during the London bombings and clearly demonstrated that he is statesman of quality. He has certainly proved me wrong. When he was elected I did fear that we would see a return of the failed Labour policies of the past. I thought it was all spin; I suspected that there was a hidden mandate, cunningly disguised. But eight years later Britain probably has one of the most admired leaders in Europe. Even the Spanish press readily admit that there is “something about Blair.” I hope that he does stay on for the next four years and hands over to Brown just before the next election. That would be fair. Afterall, Blair as party leader won the election earlier this year when the electorate had their say. The electorate should also be able to have their say on Brown and decide whether he should go to Number 10 or not. Blair has been given a mandate and he should keep it.