Glenda Jackson: I'll stand for leadership against Blair

Glenda Jackson, MP for Hampstead and Highgate, has made it clear she would be prepared to stand as a stalking horse to force a leadership contest if the Prime Minister clings to power for another three years.He signalled in his conference speech that he wishes to stay on until 2008.

The former transport minister and Oscar-winning actress told The Independent on Sunday:"It was clear that he... is apparently ignorant of the need for a smooth transition [to a new leader]." She called on Mr Blair to set a date for his departure before mid-2006.