Tony Blair's forthcoming memoirs have shed new light on the troubled relationship between the former prime minister and his successor Gordon Brown, with Blair reportedly blaming Brown for the cash-for-honours scandal and describing him as 'very, very difficult' and 'maddening'. According to BBC political editor Nick Robinson, who has seen extracts, Blair also admits he knew Brown would be a hopeless prime minister.
The memoir, which Robinson likens to Princess Diana's Panorama interview, reveals that Blair believed Brown threatened to trigger the cash-for-honours row if he did not get his way on pension policy. Blair also confesses he reneged on a deal to stand down before the 2005 election and did not sack Brown for fear he would lead a left-wing rebellion.
Robinson, who has apologised for his previous reporting on the Blair-Brown relationship, now accepts that things were 'worse, much worse' than he reflected at the time. He notes that Blair turned to drink to cope with the stress of dealing with Brown, and that the memoir confirms that what was reported about their behind-the-scenes conflict was only half the story.
However, some commentators have urged caution, arguing that memoirs are self-serving accounts that should be scrutinised rather than treated as gospel. One contributor to Robinson's blog pointed out that Blair is a 'serial fantasist' who previously claimed to have watched Jackie Milburn as a child and to have stowed away on an aeroplane.
The revelations have sparked debate about the legacy of both leaders, with some readers branding Brown 'disloyal and selfish' while others argue that both Blair and Brown were 'disastrous'. Robinson's blog has attracted a mix of criticism and support, with some accusing him of tabloid-style reporting and others praising the insight into one of the most fraught partnerships in modern British politics.
