Prescott's running battle with Blair

John Prescott has had a running battle behind the scenes with Tony Blair about his proposed radical reforms to the education system.

The experience of failing his 11+ exam has led the Deputy Prime Minister to resist any attempt to introduce selection in schools, which New Labour's conversion to a choice agenda for Britain's pupils has done nothing to diminish.

He has frequently reminded the Prime Minister in private over the Government's commitment not to reintroduce selection, with the odd blast at successive education secretaries who have hinted at it.

Recent bust-ups with Mr Blair concern Downing Street plans to take funding out of the hands of Labour-led education authorities and pass control to head teachers and parents. Mr Prescott warned the Prime Minister he would destroy Labour's political base in the LEAs, risk alienating supporters and would embrace Tory principles. He has also been anxious about the involvement of the private sector.

Much of the stimulus for reform has come from Mr Blair's former special adviser, Lord Adonis, who was appointed an education minister at the election. It is his thinking which underpins the White Paper.

Mr Prescott has signalled he has no intention of resigning but that should not be taken as carte blanche by Mr Blair that his deputy is "on side" for reforms. The real battle will come when Mr Blair and Ruth Kelly try to force the Education Bill through Parliament.