Could the Midterm result increase the pressure on his departure date?

With all eyes focussed on the final seats in the battle for the US Senate how is Tony Blair feeling about the way American voters have treated his partner in the Iraqi adventure?

Could this massive rejection of the Republicans, which seemed so unlikely a few months ago, spill over into UK politics? Will this make Tony’s remaining time at Number 10 that bit more uncomfortable?

For joining with the US in the 2003 invasion was the policy that will define his entire premiership

Added onto that the continuing police investigation into the loans for honours affair and the lack of a credible candidate ready to take on Gordon Brown and you cannot but help wonder whether all of this might lead him to calling it a day earlier than had been planned.

Latest Senate betting here

Blair departure date betting is here.

Mike Smithson