Blair hopeful of Brown leading Labour to fourth term

London, Nov 16 (UNI) British Prime Minister Tony Blair has predicted that Gordon Brown would lead Labour to a fourth successive term, suggesting that the next election would be fought between a ''flyweight'' David Cameron and the ''heavyweight'' Chancellor.

This is seen as Mr Blair's most explicit endorsement yet of Mr Brown, combining it with an outspoken attack on what he claimed was the Tory leader's lack of substance.

The remarks came after the introduction of his tenth and last Queen's speech, when Mr Blair shouted across at Mr Cameron that the next election would be a ''flyweight versus a heavyweight'' and however much the Tory leader ''might dance around the ring'' he would come within reach of a ''big clunking fist''.

No one looked happier than Mr Brown, whose relations with Mr Blair have often been uneasy and sometimes icy.

Mr Cameron had earlier exploited Mr Blair's impending departure by highlighting the ''tragedy'' of a Prime Minister who had promised so much and delivered so little.

He paid a compliment to Mr Blair by suggesting that the Conservatives were relieved that he was going, words also intended to be a putdown to Mr Brown, by indicating that the Tories believe that they can beat him.

UNI XC KD AT HT1755