Blair says Brown "effectively blackmailed" him over cash-for-honours scandal

London, Sept 1 (ANI): Former British prime minister Tony Blair has claimed his memoir 'A Journey,' due to be released today, that his successor Gordon Brown "effectively blackmailed" him while he was in No 10, Downing street.

Blair says he always suspected Brown, then his chancellor of Exchequer of orchestrating an investigation into the cash-for-honours scandal.

According to The Telegraph, Blair further claims that within days of the cash-for-honours scandal, which erupted in 2006, he had a private meeting with Brown to discuss radical reforms to pensions drawn up by Lord Turner.

Brown allegedly threatened to ensure there was an official Labour investigation into the scandal unless Blair shelved his plans. Blair refused and within two hours, the then Labour Party treasurer gave a television interview, which led to the threatened investigation.

Blair claimed in his new book that the pressure on him to step aside became so great that he almost became addicted to alcohol as he faced coup attempts from Brown's supporters.

He disclosed that he began drinking every day, and admitted it was "becoming a support".

Brown reportedly put "relentless personal pressure" on him and Blair repeatedly considered sacking him but failed to find a suitable replacement. (ANI)