Blair calls Jono to wish him luck

Tony Blair may be under pressure over Iraq but he still found time today to ring a radio station.

Downing Street decided that the departure of Heart FM presenter Jono Coleman was of significant national importance to require Prime Ministerial comment.

So, minutes after ducking questions about the legality of the war, Mr Blair rang Mr Coleman to wish him well.

"Hello, who's that?" were his opening remarks when told "Tony from London" was on the line.

Mr Blair said: "It's Tony Blair here. Hi, how are you?"

Mr Coleman: "Is that the Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of this country?"

Mr Blair: "Well, I hope so." Co-presenter Harriet Scott intervened to clarify that Mr Blair was not an impressionist.

Then Mr Coleman grilled Mr Blair, saying: "How's Cherie?"

Mr Blair replied: "She's fine, she's good."

Mr Coleman then asked him if he could tell him the date of the election. Mr Blair replied: "I'd love to do that - for you, virtually anything."

Mr Coleman continued: "I bought a copy of Cherie's book - do you think you can get her to sign it?"

Mr Blair: "I'm sure I can, yeah." Whether this will be before the election is unclear.