So I have been reading Jonathan Powell's memoir/political analysis "The New Machiavelli" essentially a modern version of "The Prince" which uses accounts from the Blair's time as Prime Minister, when Powell was chief of staff.
In the book, he said that as early as June 2002, Blair said he was nearing "the begging of the end", and was considering resigning at some point before the 2005 election.
Obviously he stayed on (mostly due to Iraq) but what if he had resigned some time before 2005, maybe even before Iraq started hotting up. Would there be a leadership election (rather then Brown's coronation)? What would happen with Iraq and the Special Relationship?
How would they fair without "The Man" in the 2005 General Election?
Could Howard choose to stay on due to strong seat gains?
Could the Lib Dems become even more of a political presence?
In the book, he said that as early as June 2002, Blair said he was nearing "the begging of the end", and was considering resigning at some point before the 2005 election.
Obviously he stayed on (mostly due to Iraq) but what if he had resigned some time before 2005, maybe even before Iraq started hotting up. Would there be a leadership election (rather then Brown's coronation)? What would happen with Iraq and the Special Relationship?
How would they fair without "The Man" in the 2005 General Election?
Could Howard choose to stay on due to strong seat gains?
Could the Lib Dems become even more of a political presence?