Stars back Labour

Mick Hucknall: Simply Red for Labour

Singer Mick Hucknall, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and actor Sir John Mills have led a star-studded rally of Labour supporters.

The Simply Red singer warned against voter apathy, at Thursday night's event in Manchester.

The rally followed Mr Blair's visit to a school, once labelled the worst in the country.

I know a thing or two about leadership and in Tony Blair we have a leader the country can be proud of

Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex praised Mr Blair for supporting his deputy John Prescott in the wake of his scuffle with a protester in north Wales.

And he said Labour deserved a second term for its record on the economy, employment, schools, hospitals and tackling drugs and crime.

"I know a thing or two about leadership and in Tony Blair we have a leader the country can be proud of.

"Since he became Prime Minister, he has built up new respect for Britain," he said.

Ex-Tory voter

Sir John Mills, 92, who had been a lifelong Conservative supporter, pledged his backing for the prime minister.

Even the veteran actor's red socks reflected his changed allegiance.

Sir John Mills: Red socks for Labour

Mr Blair himself focused on this support - calling on other "one nation Conservatives" to come over to Labour, saying the party offered more on the economy, society and Europe.

Mick Hucknall warned that the party's biggest worry was apathy.

He told the crowd: "Go out and vote and don't let the Tories in through the back door."

Among the audience was Tory defector Shaun Woodward, who was selected to fight the safe Labour seat of St Helens South at the weekend.

The rally followed Mr Blair's visit to the Ridings School at Halifax in west Yorkshire, five years after it was temporarily closed when pupils ran riot.

It was part of a tour concentrating on the party's education policies.

Mr Blair praised head teacher Anna White, who is credited with turning round the mixed comprehensive after it was failed by inspectors from Ofsted in 1996.

Prescotts' regret

At Labour's morning news conference, Mr Blair had given his backing to John Prescott.

Sir Alex: Lifelong Labour supporter

He said: "Of course he regrets the incident ever happened but he felt a blow on the side of his head and acted instinctively."

Mr Blair had warm words for Mr Prescott.

"You could not wish for a deputy more loyal, more true or more decent and he cares about his country, he cares passionately about his politics and John is John - but I tell you I am lucky to have him as a deputy," he said.