Local polls a nightmare for Blair?

LONDON: Britons voted in local council elections on Thursday amid a storm of sleaze and incompetence allegations that could damage the ruling Labour Party and even affect how much longer Prime Minister Tony Blair stays in power.   

The image of Blair’s government has been tarnished in the last week by criticism over the bungled release of foreign prisoners, hospital cuts and a confession by Blair’s deputy that he had an affair.

The result could be the worst of Blair’s career, a week after his government admitted it had freed foreign convicted criminals who should have been deported.

The elections will also be a test of strength for the main opposition Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, both of whom have new leaders keen to show they can deliver results.

Blair has refused to seek a fourth term, but has yet to say when he will step down. A disastrous showing would put pressure on him to hand over to finance minister Gordon Brown.