Blair will stay past election, says Prescott

Tony Blair has left it too late to stand down before the next general election, John Prescott claims.

The Deputy Prime Minister has said there is no question of Mr Blair stepping aside before the country goes to the polls.

He told a closed meeting of the party's policy forum: "We have gone past the point where Tony Blair might step aside before the next election."

The comments reinforce reports that the Prime Minister was considering quitting some weeks ago and come as party rebels circulate a resolution of no confidence over his handling of the war in Iraq.

Meanwhile Labour MPs, worried about the damage to the party's reputation, have persuaded former foreign secretary Robin Cook to head a campaign to woo back Muslim voters.