Blair braces for blow to authority on schools

LONDON, Mar 15 (Reuters) British Prime Minister Tony Blair faces a test of his already dented authority today when parliament votes on flagship school reforms that scores of his own followers oppose.

Labour Party lawmakers 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 -- 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.

''It would give (Conservative leader) David Cameron a boost and allow him to continue his effort to try to occupy our territory,'' ex-cabinet minister David Blunkett told BBC Radio.

The vote also comes after weeks of sleaze allegations involving 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 the Labour Party were seeking peerages in return for cash.

Blair and other ministers were meeting Labour lawmakers today to try to win last-minute support for the bill.

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.

But further changes to the bill may prompt the Conservatives to withdraw support, exposing Blair to humiliating defeat. The opposition Liberal Democrats plan to oppose the bill.

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.

Conservative education spokesman David Willetts said his party would seek to defeat Blair over the timing of the bill's passage through parliament, a move which could delay the law coming into effect and embarrass Blair further.

Parliament will vote on the bill again after it has been scrutinised in committee, but today will be a litmus test of support for the measures.

Blair has said he is relaxed winning with Conservative votes. But such a result would raise further 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 three parliamentary defeats in the last five months.

REUTERS HS PM1829