(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Adults in Britain appear divided over the best time for Tony Blair to step down as prime minister, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 46 per cent of respondents believe Blair should resign immediately or within the next couple of years, while 43 per cent believe he should either serve for the entire term or fight the next election.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Adults in Britain appear divided over the best time for Tony Blair to step down as prime minister, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 46 per cent of respondents believe Blair should resign immediately or within the next couple of years, while 43 per cent believe he should either serve for the entire term or fight the next election.
In May, British voters renewed the House of Commons. The governing Labour party secured 356 seats, followed by the Conservatives with 197 and the Liberal Democrats with 62. Blair has served as prime minister since 1997.
Last October, Blair announced that he would retire at the end of his third term. Current chancellor of the exchequer Gordon Brown has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Blair. The next election must be held on or before Jun. 3, 2010. Sitting prime ministers can dissolve Parliament and call an early ballot at their discretion.
On Nov. 9, the Labour government’s anti-terrorism bill was defeated in the House of Commons after a 322-291 vote. A revised version of the legislation—which allows for a 28-day detention period for suspected terrorists—was introduced and passed immediately following the conclusion of the first vote.
The Labour government is expected to submit legislation in areas such as public services and education in the next few weeks. 55 per cent of respondents believe Blair must learn to compromise in order to get his reforms through the House of Commons, while 40 per cent believe the prime minister must reassert his authority and stand up for what he believes.
Polling Data
When do you think Tony Blair should stand down as prime minister?
Now | 24% |
Within the next couple of years | 22% |
Should serve until just before the next election | 25% |
Fight the next election to win a fourth term | 19% |
Don’t know | 10% |
The government now faces some tough votes in the House of Commons on the reform of public services and other issues. Which of these two statements do you agree with … ?
Tony Blair must reassert his authority | 40% |
Tony Blair must learn to compromise on | 55% |
Don’t know | 5% |
Source: ICM Research / The Guardian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 511 British adults, conducted on Nov. 10, 2005. No margin of error was provided.
