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Blair exit timetable to be agreed Blair exit timetable to be agreed
(about 4 hours later)
Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is expected to agree a timetable next week for the leadership election to replace Tony Blair.Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is expected to agree a timetable next week for the leadership election to replace Tony Blair.
The BBC understands Labour officials have settled on a seven-week campaign for both the leader and deputy leader to run simultaneously.The BBC understands Labour officials have settled on a seven-week campaign for both the leader and deputy leader to run simultaneously.
It would be followed by the "coronation" of the new leader and deputy leader at a special conference.It would be followed by the "coronation" of the new leader and deputy leader at a special conference.
It is not yet known when Mr Blair will announce his departure.It is not yet known when Mr Blair will announce his departure.
But if, as widely predicted, it is after the Scottish and Welsh elections on 4 May, the country could have a new prime minister by 22 June.But if, as widely predicted, it is after the Scottish and Welsh elections on 4 May, the country could have a new prime minister by 22 June.
Chancellor Gordon Brown is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mr Blair as prime minister.Chancellor Gordon Brown is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mr Blair as prime minister.
So far two contenders from the left of the party, John McDonnell and Michael Meacher, have said they intend to challenge him. So far two contenders from the left of the party, John McDonnell and Michael Meacher, have said they intend to challenge him but they will have to gain the signatures of 45 Labour MPs before they can get on to the ballot paper.
NominationNomination
The first week of the seven-week campaign, would cover the nomination period, when all candidates would be required to show they had support of at least 44 MPs.The first week of the seven-week campaign, would cover the nomination period, when all candidates would be required to show they had support of at least 44 MPs.
That would be followed by six weeks of campaigning, with voting among MPs, party members and unions taking place over the final three weeks.That would be followed by six weeks of campaigning, with voting among MPs, party members and unions taking place over the final three weeks.
BBC political correspondent James Hardy said that - if no-one stands against Gordon Brown for the leadership - there is a strong possibility he will still be required to attend hustings around the country along with the deputy leadership candidates.BBC political correspondent James Hardy said that - if no-one stands against Gordon Brown for the leadership - there is a strong possibility he will still be required to attend hustings around the country along with the deputy leadership candidates.
There are now six declared runners to replace John Prescott in the deputy's job when he stands down with Mr Blair this year.There are now six declared runners to replace John Prescott in the deputy's job when he stands down with Mr Blair this year.
Labour chairman Hazel Blears, ministers Peter Hain and Harriet Harman are in the race.Labour chairman Hazel Blears, ministers Peter Hain and Harriet Harman are in the race.
The other contenders for the deputy role are Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson and backbencher Jon Cruddas.The other contenders for the deputy role are Cabinet ministers Hilary Benn and Alan Johnson and backbencher Jon Cruddas.