Elect Blair's successor unopposed: cabinet minister
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-16 15:35

Gordon Brown should be elected unopposed when Prime Minister Tony Blair eventually steps down, a senior cabinet minister was reported as saying.

Geoff Hoon, the former defence secretary and now leader of the lower chamber of parliament, the House of Commons, was quoted by the Independent newspaper as saying that it would be "better for everyone" if there were no other candidates.

Blair announced his intention not to contest a fourth general election following the last nationwide poll in May but did not specify when he would step down and hand over the reigns of power to Brown.

But speculation mounted last week that Blair could go sooner rather than later after he lost a vote on controversial proposals to detain terrorist suspects for up to 90 days without charge.

The defeat was his first in parliament since being swept to power in 1997 and followed the resignation of key ally David Blunkett as work and pensions secretary plus cabinet infighting over a proposed smoking ban.

Further storms are predicted in the near future over Blair's proposed reforms over education, health and welfare.

Hoon played down suggestions that Blair could go early but said of Brown's lengthy time as the most likely leader-in-waiting: "I personally think he (Brown) is by far and away the best candidate, the only likely candidate.

"Ultimately, it is a matter for the (Labour) party to decide and arguably for an individual to decide whether he or she stands.

"I can see real benefits... that given Gordon is the outstanding candidate to succeed, the easier that can be done and the smoother the transition for everyone."

He told the newspaper that Blair's successor would need time to settle in as prime minister before the next general election, which is scheduled for 2010 at the latest.