Timetable fixed for Blair's departure . . .Brown to be judged on policy positions

John McDonnell MP, Chair of the LRC, said:

“Within a week of the local elections the Labour and Trade Union movement has arrived at exactly where we want to be with a clearly defined and commonly accepted timetable for a change in the leadership of the party.

“Tony Blair will be gone by the Autumn of 2007 and the party now has a clear 12 months for a thorough policy debate and the preparation of an alternative leadership candidate. Over the next year the party will be demanding to know where the Chancellor stands issue by issue, Bill by Bill.

“On every issue in the forthcoming period the movement will be making its judgement on the candidates for the leadership of our party - from Pensions, the Education Bill, and the Government's plans for the NHS and privatisation of the probation service, to the restoration of trade union rights, nuclear energy, replacement of trident and possible action against Iran.

“On the current pensions proposals, the Blair-Brown deal is too little too late, with nothing for today's pensioners, and for tomorrow's pensioners a built-in increase in the retirement age and an extension of means-testing.

“Issue after issue over the next year will define Gordon Brown in contrast to the polices supported and demanded by the party and the movement.”

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