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Blair Re-Election Odds-On, Despite Blunkett Fall
Reuters ^ | Thu Dec 16 | Mike Peacock and Jeremy Lovell

Posted on 12/16/2004 12:12:48 PM PST by West Coast Conservative

The tearful resignation of a top British minister entangled in a three-year love affair is a hammer blow to Britain's Tony Blair, but few analysts expect it to derail his drive for re-election next year.

The prime minister was forced to reshuffle his government on Wednesday after the fall of Home Secretary David Blunkett, who directed Britain's anti-terrorism and law and order agenda.

Blair has made security the centerpiece of his campaign for a third term in power and Blunkett, an indomitable hard-liner, gave the government watertight cover against any accusations of being soft on terror or crime.

In a further blow on Thursday, Britain's top court ruled against the detention of foreign terrorism suspects without trial -- one of Blunkett's key policies.

"I think that the government has suffered a double blow. They have lost David Blunkett and now this legislation," said Wyn Grant, professor of politics at Warwick University.

Blunkett resigned after weeks of lurid stories about his affair with a married woman, his paternity claims over her son and allegations he abused his office by fast-tracking a residence visa for her nanny.

He was replaced by education minister, Charles Clarke, widely regarded as a political heavyweight.

Clarke will have to master a raft of crime and anti-terrorism policies that form a central plank of Blair's agenda and feature high on the electorate's priority list.

DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD?

Polls suggest Blair should win again in 2005, probably with a reduced parliamentary majority. Bookmakers Ladbrokes left their election odds unchanged, making Blair a hot favorite.

"It's a blow but I don't think any of us feel less safe in our seats today than we did yesterday," one Labour MP said.

(Excerpt) Read more at story.news.yahoo.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: blair; blunkett; election2005; england; unitedkingdom

1 posted on 12/16/2004 12:12:49 PM PST by West Coast Conservative
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To: West Coast Conservative

What self-respecting British government doesn't have a sex scandal?


2 posted on 12/16/2004 12:13:52 PM PST by My2Cents (To those inclined to receive it, "Merry Christmas!" To those NOT so inclined, "Bah Humbug!")
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To: West Coast Conservative

First, Howard in Austrailia. Then, the great GW Bush in America....Blair will be the tri-fecta


3 posted on 12/16/2004 12:18:01 PM PST by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to say it.)
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To: Puppage
1. Afghanistan election
2. Australian election
3. US election
4. Iraq election
5. UK election

So far we are 3 for 3.

(Note that Jimmy Carter wasn't involved in any so far)
4 posted on 12/16/2004 12:34:40 PM PST by kasparik
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