Britain election timetable to be decided next week

London, Mar 16 (UNI) A timetable for elections to replace Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to be agreed next week by Labour's National Executive Committee.

According to reports, Mr Blair is expected to announce his retirement after the Scottish and Welsh elections on May 4, following which there will be a seven-week contest for the position of Labour leader and deputy leader.

Gordon Brown may need to face a vote for the top post even if he is the only candidate. So far, two candidates from the left of the party, Michael Meacher and John McDonnell, have declared their intention to challenge Mr Brown. But, it is doubtful the two will be able to get the needed 44 signatures of other Labour MPs to get on to the ballot.

Mr Blair has said he intended to attend the G8 Summit in Germany from June 6 to 8. If he were to resign on the day after the Scottish and Welsh elections, Britain could have a new Prime Minister by Friday, June 22, according to the BBC.

But the Labour Party would have to call a special conference to announce the new leader, which is more likely to be held at a weekend.

There are six contenders for the post of deputy leader, including five cabinet ministers - Peter Hain, Hilary Benn, Harriet Harman, Hazel Blears, Alan Johnson - and one backbencher, Jon Cruddas.

Commons leader Jack Straw is predicted to become Chancellor of Exchequer in Mr Brown's cabinet.

Odds offered for the leader presently are: G Brown 1/12, Environment Secretary D Miliband 12/1, Home Secretary J Reid 14/1, Education Secretary A Milburn 16/1, Europe Secretary P Hain 33/1, H Benn 33/1, former Home Secretary C Clarke 33/1, Foreign Secretary M Beckett 50/1, Commons leader J Straw 50/1 UNI XC KD RS1727