Rebels boosted by Short's move

Rebels boosted by Short's move

Short has raised the stakes for Blair

Labour rebels hope Clare Short's decision to speak out over Iraq will prompt a string of other junior ministers to break ranks.

One ministerial aide, Andy Reed, on Sunday became the first government resignation over the crisis, but a cabinet minister accusing her boss of "recklessness" really has raised the stakes.

Backbench critics of Tony Blair's Iraq stance believe Ms Short's comments will give new momentum to a rebellion already joined by 122 Labour MPs.

The threats to resign have intensified divisions within Labour, with government supporters branding Ms Short's outburst as premature and unhelpful.

Here is how Labour backbenchers have reacted to her withering criticisms.

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Former Labour whip Graham Allen said: "There are many parliamentary private secretaries, junior ministers and others who are considering their positions.

"Clare certainly has appeared to consider her position and she speaks for many people who feel that what we are doing at the moment shows a weakness, not a strength, in leadership."

It must act as a catalyst for other people who are struggling with their loyalties

Alice Mahon
Labour MP

Long-term backbench anti-war campaigner Alice Mahon said there were clear reasons why Mr Blair would want to keep Ms Short within the fold.

"We have been subjected to quite a lot of misinformation, dodgy dossiers and black propaganda about the reasons for this war," Mrs Mahon told BBC News Online.

"Clare Short must know where many of those bodies are buried."

Mrs Mahon called the international development secretary's withering attack "hugely significant".

"Such a prominent figure as Clare Short, a cabinet minister, expressing what almost 90% of the Labour Party believe must act as a catalyst for other people who are struggling with their loyalties."

Labour select committee chairman Ian Gibson believed public disquiet could escalate, predicting that up to 200 MPs could join the next Labour revolt.

Ms Short's attack could tip the balance for other aides and ministers who were swaying over the Iraq policy, suggested Dr Gibson.

He told BBC News Online: "They may say: 'If she's prepared to sacrifice her career, then why shouldn't I?'

"There will be many thinking that - I am not sure how many."

But Dr Gibson did not think Ms Short's remarks had undermined Tony Blair's authority.

"I think he is a man driven by what he believes," he said, doubting whether even God or the Pope could change Mr Blair's mind.

The prime minister is facing the worst political difficulties of his premiership, indeed of his whole leadership of the Labour Party.

Jack Cunningham
Ex-cabinet minister

Dennis Turner, Ms Short's parliamentary aide, said: "I will resign if Clare resigns on the basis of not getting a second UN resolution.

"But I still believe that it is possible for that to happen and I hope the prime minister is successful."

Tam Dalyell, the longest serving MP, told France Inter radio on Monday that he wanted Tony Blair to resign as prime minister.

""We are extremely angry at the positions taken by Britain and the US ... Germany and France are right.

"I hope another prime minister would speak seriously with Germany and France."

Lynne Jones, an MP in the left-wing Campaign Group, told BBC Radio 4's World At One: "It is very significant that she has chosen to speak out now.

"For quite a while now, many people thought: 'Well, if Clare is in the government, then the government cannot be all wrong.'

"I think she rather took over from John Prescott as that kind of symbol.

"I think people were starting to think that was not an appropriate role for her, but I think now it's very welcome that she has come forward."

On Sunday, Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said ministerial aides who were threatening to resign over hypothetical situations were being a bit "self-indulgent".

Former Defence Minister Peter Kilfoyle told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The worst self-indulgence is that within the government, which seems to be blind to public opinion in this country and the very, very heart-felt concerns of the governing party in the United Kingdom."

Former cabinet minister Jack Cunningham suggested it was a sign of Mr Blair's tolerance that Ms Short was still in her job.

He said: "It is premature for people to be saying 'I must resign now, I must speak out now, I must threaten to resign now' when the prime minister is following the course they have specifically and persistently asked him to follow."

The government had not been reckless and instead had spent months working for international unity, argued Mr Cunningham.

Bridget Prentice, another Labour MP supportive of the government's Iraq stance, rejected suggestions that Mr Blair's premiership was unravelling.

She told BBC Breakfast: "Clare, of course, makes very robust statements.

"She uses very picturesque language and she thinks about things very deeply."

Former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson questioned why Ms Short had spoken out now if she had not expressed such views in cabinet or to Mr Blair personally.

"That is what's so perplexing to people who otherwise know, like and admire Clare Short," said Mr Mandelson.

Labour former international development minister George Foulkes said: "I was disappointed in what Clare said last night because I do think she is doing a great job and she wants that second resolution.

"Sadly, because of what she has said, she is making getting that second resolution that bit more difficult for both Jack Straw and Tony Blair and that just seems a bit daft."