MAIN People in the News Tony Blair

Born Anthony Charles Lynton Blair in Edinburgh, Scotland on on June 5, 1953, the current UK Labour prime minister has most recently been in the news for his departure from 10 Downing Street after an historic three terms.

He has subsequently embarked on a new career as a United Nations envoy to the Middle East.

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Famous for his transformation of the left-leaning Labour Party to a more conservative "New Labour" era, Blair entered office in a landslide victory over Conservative Prime Minister John Major in the 1997 general election.

Since then, the Blair government has been notable for its commitment to big business and will probably be best remembered for introduction of university tuition fees, as well as for market reforms to the National Health Service.

Like his conservative American ally, U.S. President George W. Bush, Blair also has been criticised for his autocratic style and his use of spin doctoring to promote his government's image.

Blair is married to barrister Cherie Booth with whom he has three sons and one daughter. Blair was the first Prime Minister's in more than 150 years to become a father while in office when his wife gave birth to Leo, their fourth child, in 2000.

Despite a reduced turnout in the 2001 election, Blair became the first ever Labour prime minister to serve two consecutive terms.

On May 5, 2005 Blair made history by becoming the first Labour leader ever to win a third consecutive term, equaling the record of former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Related Biographies:

Tony Blair - Wikipedia

CBC News Indepth: Tony Blair

Famous Quotes:

• I didn't come into politics to change the Labour Party. I came into politics to change the country.
• We, therefore, here in Britain stand shoulder to shoulder with our American friends in this hour of tragedy, and we, like them, will not rest until this evil is driven from our world.
• The threat from Saddam Hussein and weapons of mass destruction - chemical, biological, potentially nuclear weapons capability - that threat is real.