Tony Blair

Blair dropped a political bombshell Sept. 30 by declaring that he intends to serve "a full third term," but no more, if his Labour Party wins the next general election, widely predicted for May. That would mean Blair, who led Labour to power in 1997 and 2001, and who has never been so unequivocal about his long-term plans, could be prime minister until as late as 2010.

"Do I wish to serve a full term? The answer to that is 'yes.' Do I want to go on and on, and on? The answer to that is 'no,' " he said. "I wouldn't want to put myself forward at a fourth election. I don't think the country would want me to."

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 9, 2004
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