Blair set to step down next year

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly told members of his cabinet inner circle that he will step down in mid-2007 and hand power to finance minister Gordon Brown. Three British newspapers claim that the 53-year-old premier has been forced into naming a date after increasing calls from parliamentary colleagues for a firm pronouncement on the matter as continued speculation could be harming the party long-term. He has until now said only he would serve a full third term and not contest the next general election, which is due before 2010 at the latest.