Blair plans "clean break" from politics

Monday, 1 August 2005 12:00 AM

The prime minister will stand down as an MP and leader at the next general election, according to a newspaper report today.

Tony Blair has already informed his family and close political allies of his plans for a "clean break" from politics, the Guardian claims.

Such a decision would effectively rule out Mr Blair from applying for president of the European Commission or a role at the United Nations.

Outside of the Westminster village, Mr Blair plans to write his memoirs and pursue his religious beliefs, in particular inter-religious understanding and faith.

Mr Blair ruled out serving a fourth term of office back in October.

The 52-year-old - who has twice received medical attention for heart murmurs - led Labour to an historic third term in government in May, becoming the longest continuing premier in the party's history.

It is expected Mr Blair will have spent more than a decade at the helm of the Labour party before he leaves Downing Street.

Mr Blair conceivably could be premier for another five years, taking him close to 60 years old.

Chancellor Gordon Brown is widely tipped to ascend to the Labour leadership after Mr Blair resigns.

According to Westminster folklore, at the Granita restaurant in 1994, Mr Brown agreed not to fight the party leadership in return for winning the premiership at a later date, with Mr Blair paving the way for his accession.

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