Tony Blair has dismissed speculation about his future as Labour leader as a "parlour game".

Quizzed on claims that he is preparing to handover to Gordon Brown, the prime minister refused to give any cast iron assurance that he would serve a full third term.

Amid Tory claims that if you "vote Blair you’ll get Brown", the Labour leader failed to be drawn on his intentions.

"I know that this is a great parlour game for you guys but I am afraid I have nothing more to add to what I have said before," he told journalists inside Number 10.

Despite his comments, many Westminster observers believe Blair is preparing to stand down following the next election.

That would pave the way for the transfer of power to the chancellor.

Speculation about the prime minister’s future intensified recently when John Prescott admitted that senior ministers were positioning themselves for a post-Blair era.

Sources close to the prime minister insist that he intends to stand at the next election on a pledge to fight a full third term.

However it is thought that the formulation of any words on the issue will be couched in terms allowing him to stand down.

Asked whether a heavy defeat in the June 10 elections could hasten his exit, the prime minister again failed to state his intentions.

"I think we should do as well as we can on June 10," he said.

On the wider issue of his future, Blair called on journalists to reflect on "the answer I gave, or didn't give, a few moments ago".