The fate of Tony Blair

I said: "I think the campaign against Tony Blair is inspired by Conservatives who want to take power and by "Old Labour", which, rightly or wrongly, wants the party to return to its ancient socialism".

From the UK, John He Perhaps even by people who are dismayed at the quickening of the erosion of democratic standards of Parliamentary behaviour that has occurred during Blair's incumbency. Had the Conservative Party a realistic challenger to Blair, or had "Old Labour" a realistic replacement, Blair would be on the way out. Neither has, so Blair is likely to continue in post for the foreseeable future.

It will be interesting to watch the Brent East bye-election taking place soon as an indicator of public reaction to New Labour policies and Blair's stance on Iraq. Normally a safe Labour seat, opinion polls (for what they are worth) are suggesting that it will be a close-run thing. Most interesting will be to see if the level of abstainers increases highlighting the public's increasing lack of trust in politics and politicians".

RH:
"Bye-election"? Is that the English spelling? Webster says "by-election" similar to "byproduct". Is the term "by-election" used in the US?