Blair likely to quit if aides charged in loans inquiry

[kskiska]

Tony Blair is likely to stand down early if charges are brought in the cash-for-honours affair against any of his key aides, including Ruth Turner, arrested on Friday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Ministers said they were certain Mr Blair would not seek to stay until his planned departure date of June or July if any of his immediate entourage were charged.

One senior Labour minister told the Guardian: "He knows he would need to do the right thing for the party."

Senior ministers said Mr Blair remained convinced of Ms Turner's innocence and remain doubtful that the police have - as reported at the weekend - hacked into No 10 computers to show that she and other Downing Street aides have not been co-operating with the inquiry team.

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http://politics.guardian.co.uk/labour/story/0,,1995723,00.html

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. After all this, the only thing that would oust the bastard is a money

scandal? What a world.

[eleny]

5. Like getting Capone on tax evasion

They get so puffed up with themselves that they get sloppy.

[Ghost Dog]

9. Not even that.

It seems the charge would be 'obstructing the course of justice' - ie. the cover-up.

cf. Fitz's charge against Libby.

[sweetheart]

2. quit quit quit quit quit quit

hurry up b-LIAR, quit and let labour have a try.

[frogcycle]

3. must be nice

to live in a country where a leader would stand down over aides being caught with a hand in the cookie jar.

Ours wouldn't leave if he was caught with his hand up cheneys butt. Wouldn't leave if he were shown to be responsible for the loss of thousands of lives over a lie.

If Blair steps down, then maybe he'll speak out against how bush played him for a fool.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

6. Nah, he won't.

Carlyle surely stands ready with a nice, well-paying job for him and, perhaps, Cherie as well. Such emoluments ensure silence.

[lligrd]

4. Now That Would Be A Damn Shame

Wouldn't it? :nopity:

[aquart]

7. Wouldn't work on Bush.

[Vidar]

8. Please charge the aides.