Initial signals that Blair.27s leadership was to end Timeline for the Labour Party (UK) leadership elections, 2007

on 30 september 2004, tony blair said not seek fourth term prime minister. labour went on win third successive term @ may 2005 general election decreased majority of 66, blair pledging serve full term.

labour , blair subsequently had surge in popularity, @ time of terrorist bombings of london of july 2005, spring of 2006 facing significant difficulties, notably scandals on failures home office deport illegal immigrants , national campaigns many political parties , think tanks saying united kingdom being overrun immigrants. worries on potential increase of support british national party during 2006 local election campaign saw many labour backbenchers , activists begin demand timetable blair departure, many suggesting should sooner rather later.

speculation on timing of blair s resignation had been amplified variety of politicians , newspapers making own predictions. on 6 september 2006, sun reported blair announce timetable on 31 may 2007, replacement take office end of july, , on 21 april guardian reported brown camp working on assumption blair announce candidacy open on 9 may 2007, day after power-sharing due start in northern ireland, following new labour leader elected on 15 july 2007.

talk of david miliband, alan milburn, charles clarke or john reid possible candidates constant, although former consistently denied ambition stand , latter 3 refused make decision until there vacancy, declining in week before blair requested nec find successor.