Can Blair bring the fizz back?

Tony Blair is back. Recharged and rejuvenated by his holiday and he's a man fizzing with ideas who has lots still to do before he leaves Number 10.

That's the line from the Prime Minister's friends this weekend. To give more substance to that claim, the Prime Minister's diary has been packed with speeches, tours, news conferences and media events over the next few weeks

All designed to show that he is in charge and in command of the agenda.

The hope in Number 10 is that this will deflect from the discontent with Mr Blair suppress the speculation and agitation about how long he can endure at Number 10.

Some in his party want him gone from Number 10 now.

Others want him to at least give a clear indication of his departure plans. His own inner circle is itself divided about how long he should seek to stay on and what he should say about his intentions.

Andrew Rawnsley spoke to one of the Prime Minister's closest Cabinet allies and confidants: the Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell.

The opinion polls indicate that Tony Blair is now more unpopular than Margaret Thatcher was during the poll tax riots just before she fell.

For the sake of the government and his own reputation, shouldn't he tell the Labour party conference that he is quitting as Prime Minister?

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