Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned his party that internal fighting could cost Labour the next election.

In the midst of Labour's centenary celebrations, Mr Blair rounded on left-wing critics, saying they were spreading "the seeds of disillusion".

He warned that constant infighting over his leadership style would lead to Labour maintaining its failure to achieve a sustained period in government.

History lessons

"Every Labour government has faced the same," he told the party's centenary celebrations in London.

"So are we destined to repeat history this time? No, not if we learn from its lessons."

There has been increasing discontent among grassroots activists that Labour is neglecting its traditional voters.

This has been reflected in the current crisis over the selection process for its candidate to run for mayor of London in May.

There is mounting speculation that left-winger Ken Livingstone will run as an independent after being defeated by Millbank favourite Frank Dobson as the party's official candidate.

Dissident voices

Last month, Peter Kilfoyle stepped down as a minister to become a "critical friend" of the government after becoming concerned not enough attention was being paid to Labour's traditional voters.

But Mr Blair said Labour won elections when it established a broad coalition from all walks of life.

"Of course, leaders must listen. And we do," he said.

"But remember, there's only one thing the public dislikes more than a leader in control of his party - and that's a leader not in control of his party."

Labour's centenary celebrations continue on Monday with the unveiling of a plaque at the site where the original party was founded in Farringdon Street, London.