The Mirror   Monday 8th February 1999

BLAIR'S EXTRA TIME TO SILENCE PARTY CRITICS was the headline of this Kevin Maguire, The Political Editor's story.

The article reports that Tony Blair was hit by a new "control freak" row last night over moves to tighten his grip on Labour.  The report claims that Local parties have been ordered to name their annual conference delegates nearly three months earlier than in previous years.

'The step gives the Milbank HQ team even longer to spot and woo the Premier;s critics ahead of the autumn showpiece.'

This means that our ex- sud from EastEnders Michael Cashman, a loyal Blair supporter could still run again for the party's ruling executive even if he is elected a Euro MP in June.

The report ends 'If Mr.Cashman had been forced to drop out of the executive poll, the PM feared he might have been replaced by one of the Left-wing grassroots alliance.'

Article rating 9/10 There'll be more about Michael's career in Politics soon....

Quote of the day: 'Talent is like a faucet; while it is open, one must write'. JEAN ANOUILH 1960