Blair and Brown row again

New tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown erupted today, destroying hopes that they had patched up their differences over a private dinner.

Both sides appeared to be briefing hard against each other, with battles raging over policies and the influence of Mr Brown's chief rival Peter Mandelson.

There were even supposed leaks from the dinner last Thursday. According to one report, Mr Blair told the Chancellor: "You can't have two Prime Ministers." He was also said to have refused an appeal from Deputy Premier John Prescott to opt for a "quiet life" by granting Mr Brown his request for a seat on Labour's National Executive Committee..

Although there was said to be a truce whereby Mr Brown could attend NEC meetings when he wanted to, it was followed by new infighting. The Chancellor's former press secretary Charlie Whelan accused Mr Blair of acting to "humiliate" Mr Brown over the issue. Mr Whelan confirmed the Brown camp was angry at the return to influence of Mr Mandelson, who is rumoured to be helping draw up the next election campaign.