PM seizes control of fifteen committees

Tony Blair today seized the reins of government as he sought to drive through his reform agenda. The Prime Minister put himself in charge of 15 cabinet committees, five more than before, while Gordon Brown was left with two.

In a show of power Mr Blair took control of committees on anti-social behaviour, asylum and immigration, serious crime and drugs, public services and welfare reform.

At the same time Mr Blair announced a reduction in the number of committees from 61 to 44, leaving him in charge of more than a

third of them. As well as the reduction in the number of committees chaired by the Chancellor, John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, was also left with only five under his control.

Downing Street said the changes were designed to give "a more central role" to the cabinet committee system. The changes will be seen by many as Mr Blair's final attempt to cement his legacy before he bows out at the end of this third term.