Lord Falconer

Lord Falconer has called on Tony Blair to serve a full third term as prime minister.

The constitutional affairs secretary made his comments after Blair vowed to lead Labour into the next general election.

"Obviously the basis on which you stand is to be prime minister for the next term after that election," Lord Falconer told BBC Radio 4.

"He is very vigorous, he is very young in relation to most prime ministers, he's very keen to go on doing the job he is doing.

"He is young, he is experienced, he is a very good prime minister.

"Now is not the time to talk about him going. Now is the time to talk about him staying."

And when asked if he would like to see the prime minister complete a full third term, the Cabinet minister replied: "Yes I would."

Earlier on Sunday, Blair told the News of the World that he planned to lead the Labour Party at the next general election.

"You have people kicking lumps out of you, but you can live with it, and I do," he said.

"Whatever the problems and pressures this is an immensely enjoyable and fulfilling job and I intend to carry on doing it. I will be putting myself forward."

The prime minister said voters would be the final arbiters of whether he would get a historic third term for Labour.

"I have made it clear this is a decision in the end for the British people at the next election. They are the ones who decide," he said.