Blair hails 'historic' victory as Hague resigns

British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair has easily won an historic second term in a landslide victory that prompted the resignation of the Conservative leader, Mr William Hague.

British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair

The Labour Party have so far won 413 seats to the Conservatives’ 165 seats.The Liberal Democrats enjoyed their best ever showing on the national stage, gainingseven seats for a current total of 52.

I want to say what an enormous privilege and honour it is to be trusted with the Government of this country and I am deeply conscious of that privilege and honour at this time Mr Tony Blair

There are 19 more constituencies yet to declare.

The election attracted the lowest turnout since World War One.

Speaking in Downing Street this afternoon Mr Blair said: "I want to say what an enormous privilege and honour it is to be trusted with the Government of this country and I am deeply conscious of that privilege and honour at this time.

"It has been a remarkable and historic victory for my party but I am in no doubt at all as to what it means. It is a mandate for reform and for investment in the future and it is also very clearly an instruction to deliver.

"I have learnt many things over the past four years as Prime Minister. I have, I hope, learnt from the mistakes as well as the good things.

Mr Hague conceded defeat to Mr Blair in a telephone call at around 3.00 am.

No man is more important than the party Mr William Hague

In a keenly awaited statement outside Conservative Central Office this morning, Mr Hague said he would step down as leader of the party when a successor can be elected.

Shadow Chancellor Mr Michael Portillo quickly emerged asfavourite to succeed Mr William Hague as Tory leader. Bookmaker William Hill has installed Mr Portillo as 11-10 favourite.

Mr Hague said he had enjoyed his time as leader but said no-one is indispensable.

He said: "No man is more important than the party.

"We have not been able to persuade a majority of people that we are the alternative government that the country needs."

However, he said the party had made some advances and was starting this parliament with a stronger base.

He also said Labour had won the election without great public enthusiasm, adding: "They have got the benefit of the doubt."

In a speech last night Mr Blair said: "Four years ago, we were elected amid some euphoria after 18 years of Conservative government. Tonight we have been re-elected."

"It is what we have always worked for. We always knew that in order to complete the work that we have started it would take more than one term of office..."

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