When it rains it pours was a phrase that applied perfectly to Blair this month as he suffered his shakiest time in office.

It all started quietly. A few Occasional articles appeared in the Murdoch press hinting  that the PM was going to hold a referendum on the EU constitution.

Most dismissed it as speculation, the pro-European outcome Blair desired would look extremely doubtful if it were left to the public, why would he risk it?

But Blair astonished everyone by announcing a referendum would go ahead.

Stunned

Politicians were stunned both outside government and within the Cabinet.

Downing Street explained little by announcing in the typical Blarite manner that the decision was taken because the Prime Minister had been listening to the people.

Many speculated that it was an ultimatum from Murdoch, ‘either provide a referendum or lose my support in the next general election’, perhaps an indication of Blair’s priorities then.

Hughes resigns

The resignation of Beverley Hughes drove Blair to call two immigration “summits” at Downing Street. Blair himself had previously said immigrants taking council houses was not an issue, only to then announce he had made certain that if they did not have jobs, they would not be eligible for social housing.
 
It was another shocking U-turn and Blair’s support plummeted in the polls.

Iraq equally levelled a bevy of political problems at the Prime Minster.

Fifty Two former British ambassadors wrote to the Prime Minister criticising government policy in Iraq and British “subservience” to the United States.

Control freak

The 25th anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s first election victory was also used as an excuse to criticise Blair, as commentators linked both figures as control freaks who had outstayed their welcome.

The end of April must have been welcomed by the PM.