MEDWAY Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews says Tony Blair must go as party leader if Labour is to have any chance of winning the next general election.

Mr Marshall-Andrews has been a persistent and forthright critic of some of his party’s policies, particularly over Iraq.

He said: “It would be very difficult for the Labour party to win the next election with Blair as our leader simply because he would haemmorhage a large amount of traditional Labour support because of Iraq…I think he is going to have to go.”

But the MP’s parliamentary colleagues in Kent rallied round their beleaguered leader, who is facing mounting speculation about his future.

Chatham and Aylesford Labour MP Jonathan Shaw said that while he accepted the opinion polls did appear to raise questions about the leader “there was no enthusiasm for an alternative government”.

He said: “If Tony Blair threw in the towel now, he would be accused of washing his hands of Iraq and walking away from other issues. That is just not in his nature.”

He added: “On the domestic front we are doing well and if it was not for the difficulties in Iraq, this discussion would not be taking place.”

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser insisted Tony Blair would continue to lead the party into the election and beyond.

He said: “The speculation is 90 per cent froth and bubble coming from the ‘awkward brigade’. The Government has a very strong message to deliver on public services and it is unfortunate that message is being buried by what is happening in Iraq.”

Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Derek Wyatt (Lab) declined to comment when asked about Mr Blair’s position.