Blair says sorry as Labour got a 'kicking' for Iraq war
Date: Saturday, June 12 @ 22:09:58 UTC
Topic: Blair
By Andrew Grice and Colin Brown
12 June 2004, news.independent.co.uk
Tony Blair's leadership was under renewed pressure last night after Labour slumped to a disastrous third place behind the Tories and Liberal Democrats in the local authority elections.
The Prime Minister apologised to the 548 councillors who lost their seats. Although 84 Labour candidates picked up seats, the party lost control of 13 authorities in Thursday's elections, a result widely blamed on the war in Iraq. But Mr Blair urged his party to "hold our nerve" after the drubbing in the polls and made it clear he did not believe it would affect his plans for the general election next year, or lead to a challenge for his leadership. Asked whether he was still the best person to lead Labour into the general election, Mr Blair said: "It makes me want to see through what we have begun."
The Prime Minister admitted his decision to go to war in Iraq had cost Labour seats across the country. "I understand why people worry about the basis on which we went to war," he said. "Yes, Iraq has been an immensely difficult decision." He added: "I would like to say how sorry I am to the councillors who have lost their seats." Full Article
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