Election favours new generation

September 29, 1992

Riddell describes Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's rise to become the leaders of the new Labour generation and their displacement of the old left on the party's National Executive. He predicts, however, that their close partnership could become fraught with difficulties as rivalry and ambition take over.

Blair must soon translate his rhetoric into action

July 22, 1994

Following Blair's election as Labour leader, Riddell cautions that the fresh-faced moderniser must immediately embark on his battle to reform the party and its policies if he is to capture the heart of the electorate.

The dangers in being too close to Uncle Sam

November 04, 2002

As the battle drums begin to beat on both sides of the Atlantic, Riddell probes Blair's alliance with US President George W. Bush over Iraq and issues a warning against favouring the UK-US relationship over Britain's European ties.

President Blair and the Commons denominator

November 20, 2003

In the wake of record rebellions over Iraq and foundation hospitals and with the crucial vote on tuition fees looming, Riddell explains how Blair's presidential style of leadership sits awkwardly with his now much reduced majority in the House of Commons.

Blair clings on to power as his authority is waning

January 31, 2007

Despite controversy over the "cash for peerages" allegations, disquiet on the backbenches and ever-increasing unpopularity with the electorate, Blair appears unable to let go of power and insists on remaining a lame duck in office, says Riddell.

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