Blair appeals for support on crunch schools vote

LONDON, Mar 15 (Reuters) Britain's Tony Blair urged his Labour Party today to back his government's flagship school reforms ahead of a vote that could further weaken the prime minister's already dented authority.

Labour members of parliament (MPs) may rebel against the education bill in such numbers that Blair could be forced to rely on the opposition Conservative Party -- which agrees with the bill's principles -- to pass it.

Such an outcome would be only slightly less damaging than defeat, which would probably hasten his exit, analysts say.

It could deal a blow to Labour morale before May local elections that will be Blair's first major electoral test since a national poll last year in which he won a third term but saw his majority slashed by more than half.

''This bill gives us the chance to ensure that every child, whatever their circumstances or background, gets the chance to succeed,'' Blair told parliament. ''That is why it's a Labour bill and should be supported by Labour MPs.'' The vote, expected at about 0030 hrs, follows weeks of sleaze allegations against Labour.

First there was a row over links between Culture Minister Tessa Jowell's husband and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Then accusations surfaced that donors to Labour were seeking peerages in return for cash.

CONCESSIONS TO REBELS The bill aims to raise education standards by giving more autonomy to schools to run their own affairs, backed by businesses and faith groups.

But critics fear the changes would open the door to academic selection and damage the chances of poorer students -- anathema to a party committed to equality.

Fearing defeat, Blair has already made concessions which have cut the number of likely rebels to 40-60 from about 100.

According to parliament's Web site, Labour has a working majority of 69. So if all the other parties vote against the government, 35 Labour rebels would be enough to defeat Blair.

''Why is a prime minister with a majority of 70 struggling to explain to his own MPs why we need to reform our schools?'' Conservative leader David Cameron asked Blair today.

The Conservatives are planning to defeat Blair on a second vote on the timing of the bill's passage through parliament -- a move which could delay the law and embarrass Blair further.

Parliament will vote on the bill again after it has been scrutinised in committee, but Wednesday will be a litmus test of support for the measures and of Blair's grip on Labour.

Blair has said he is relaxed about winning with Conservative votes. But it would raise more questions over his ability to control his party and give ammunition to those urging a swift handover to his expected successor, finance minister Gordon Brown.

Blair has been viewed by critics as a lame duck since saying he would not stand at the next election, due by mid-2010.

His party has grown increasingly restive and Blair has suffered damaging parliamentary defeats on anti-terrorism measures and plans to outlaw religious hatred since the election.

REUTERS SHR KN2103