Blair's 10-day deadline on calling election
Tony Blair says he faces a 10-day deadline for deciding whether or not to call a general election on May 3.
At the EU summit in Stockholm, the Prime Minister was overheard talking to European Commission President Romano Prodi.
A camera crew picked up Mr Prodi asking Mr Blair how long he has before he had to decide on whether to hold a general election.
Mr Blair replied: "Ten days."
Noticing the presence of the camera, Mr Blair then returned to the official line that only the date of the local elections on May 3 has been fixed.
The exchange was shown on ITV's Lunchtime News.
Technically, April 5 - 13 days hence - is the deadline for dissolution of Parliament if election is to be on May 3.
Tory chairman Michael Ancram seized on Mr Blair's comment.
Mr Ancram said in a statement: "This shows Mr Blair's contempt for the British people, whom he told only two days ago that he would listen to their representations about the timing of the election.
"And contempt for the British people because instead of telling them first, he tells his chief Brussels crony.
"Mr Blair should be aware that if he calls an election, the contempt he has shown for the British people will be repaid in kind."
