Double blow heaps pressure on Blair

These are tough times for Tony Blair. The British Prime Minister has admitted to his cabinet colleagues that the government is going through a difficult period, according to a Downing Street spokesman. It follows an embarrassing climb down yesterday over controversial anti-terrorism laws and the resignation of a close cabinet ally. Blair has already announced he will not serve a fourth term and the party has been shaken by internal wrangling.

The problems in recent days have put more pressure on Blair to hand over power to his presumed successor Gordon Brown as soon as possible. The leadership was forced to abandon a vote on controversial terrorism legislation over fears they would lose due to a party rebellion. The resignation of close cabinet ally David Blunkett, for the second time in ten months, further undermined the Prime Minister. The Work and Pension minister stepped down after breaking government rules by taking a job with a company while out of office. The next few months could prove to be crucial for Blair and his party with local elections scheduled for May.

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