On Wednesday, a minister and seven top government officials resigned in an attempt to force Blair to quit as prime minister.

Just 24 hours later, Blair announced he would resign in a year, clearing the way for Chancellor Gordon Brown to take over as Britain's next prime minister.

But Brown's camp wants Blair to go by Christmas and it is not clear if they will accept the prime minister's offer. Those close to Brown say by not letting go of his post earlier, Blair is jeopardising Labour's chances in the next general election, especially since the Conservative party's youthful leader David Cameron has struck a clear chord with the British electorate.

Before last year's general election, which Labour won by a reduced majority, Blair said he would step aside for Brown in a stable transition. Month after the victory, that promise was forgotten.

Photograph: Hugo Philpott/Getty Images Also read: 7 members of Blair govt resign

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