Tony Blair announces date of his resignation By Toby Helm, Chief Political Correspondent, and Matthew Moore Last Updated: 12:44pm BST 10/05/2007 Page 1 of 2
Tony Blair has announced that he will stand down as Prime Minister on June 27.
Tony Blair: Tony Blair announces date of his resignation Tony Blair arrives at his constituency HQ
Twenty-four years after he launched his career as a young MP in the former pit villages of Co Durham, the Prime Minister returned there today to draw it all to a close.
"I have been Prime Minister of this country for just over 10 years. In this job, in the world today, I think that is long enough for me, but more especially for the country," he said.
"Sometimes the only way you conquer the pull of power is to set it down."
Mr Blair said that he will leave his position as soon as a new Labour leader is elected - a process that is likely to take seven weeks and result in the appointment of Gordon Brown.
John Prescott today also formally announced his intention to stand down as deputy leader of the Labour Party.
Surrounded by local officials who have been with him throughout his time as MP, Mr Blair made his announcement to 250 assembled journalists and party members at Trimdon Constituency Labour Club.
The atmosphere was emotional and affectionate, with party members clapping, singing and holding banners ahead of the long-awaited speech. The audience gave Mr Blair a standing ovation as he entered the room.
In a conciliatory speech he conceded that some people thought he had made mistakes as leader, and that expectations had been "too high" in 1997.
But he added that he firmly believed the country had improved over the last 10 years.
"My duty was to put the country first," he said. "But what I had to learn as Prime Minister is what putting the country first really meant."
"In time you realise that putting the country first does not mean doing the right thing according to conventional wisdom or the prevailing consensus, or the latest snapshot of opinion. It means doing what you genuinely believe to be right."
Mr Blair made no mention of his plans for after he steps down. Reports earlier in the day suggested he may remain as an MP until the next general election.
Maureen Lenehan, a member of the Sedgefield Labour Party executive, said: "This is a nostalgic day for us. But most of all it's a celebration of all his achievements.
"He's been a brilliant Prime Minister and he's helped the people of this country so much, both here in the local area and nationally."
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