Tony Blair: Under pressure

A string of defeats and a significant drop in support for Labour has led to fresh speculation about Tony Blair's future.

With Labour's majority reduced by 100 seats, the prime minister is set to come under pressure to quit early in this parliament.

Blair, who celebrates his 52nd birthday on Friday, has signalled that wants to serve a full term before handing over the reins of office.

But following a poll battering in key seats, many MPs will now view the prime minister as a liability who should be removed.

Overall Labour lost 47 seats, with Iraq proving to be a significant issue in constituencies such as Bethnal Green and Bow - where George Galloway defeated Labour's Oona King.

The party also lost Peterborough, Hemel Hempstead, Shipley and The Wrekin to the Tories and in Blaenau Gwent an independent Labour candidate stole the show.

The prime minister conceded that he would have to listen more in the new parliament.

"I know too that Iraq has been a divisive issue in this country but I hope now that we can unite again and look to the future - there and here," he said.

The chancellor, who was returned comfortably in his Kirkcaldy constituency, said the party would "listen and learn" from the election.

Pressure

With Labour now forced to rely on MPs from its traditional wing, Blair may find it difficult to persuade backbenchers to back a radical third term programme.

Rebel left-wing MPs are likely to resist moves to introduce ID cards and will hold the government closely to account.

Commons leader Peter Hain said the prime minister's job was safe, but conceded the result would require a change in approach.

"This is a prime minister who was won three successive general elections," he said. "He is in a very strong position to form a government and drive forward our agenda."

But Hain conceded that the party would have to "seek consensus" within the new parliament following the reduction in Labour's numbers.

Former foreign secretary Robin Cook said the prime minister must send a message about his leadership intentions "to the party and the nation".