A significant minority of Labour Party members would like to see Tony Blair stand down before the next election, according to a Guardian poll.

The ICM survey of 360 party members found that 39 per cent wanted the prime minister to surrender the party leadership, while 21 per cent believe he should stand down after the next election.

More than one third of those questioned would like to see chancellor Gordon Brown replace him.

Nevertheless, party members gave the government six out of ten for its handling of the economy, health, education and crime.