BBC (May 11): Has Blair seen off Labour critics?

[Jack Rabbit]

From the BBC Online
Dated Wednesday May 11

Analysis
Has Blair seen off Labour critics?
By Nick Assinder
Political Correspondent, BBC News website

If any of Tony Blair's backbench rebels believed the election result would produce a more conciliatory attitude towards them from the prime minister they must be a disappointed bunch.

The prime minister approached the first session of the parliamentary Labour party in much the same mood as he handled his cabinet reshuffle - defiant.

He was given a rousing reception in a Commons committee room packed to bursting with MPs apparently overwhelmingly in support of his leadership.

And he made an unremittingly New Labour speech, reminding them they had won their historic third victory on the back of the government's successful economic record, and pledging to press ahead with public service reforms towards a fourth term.

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