BRITAIN: Brown to become prime minister 'within two years' Blunkett reveals 'new understanding' with Blair.

Byline: By JAMIE LYONS

TONY Blair has reached "a new understanding" with Gordon Brown that will see him take over as prime minister within two years, David Blunkett said yesterday.

The prime minister has anointed the chancellor as his preferred successor, but refused to say exactly when he will hand over the keys to Number 10.

Mr Blunkett signalled they had come to an agreement that would see Mr Brown take over in a year or two.

"My sense is that there is a new understanding, yes," he said.

"So good on them. And whether it is a year or two years, it actually will be a sensible process of combining the talents that we have."

Mr Blunkett added: "It is good because anybody with any ounce of understanding of politics knows that when Tony Blair and Gordon Brown work together we are a winner and when they are divided our opponents can divide us and it is as simple as that."

Mr Blair has made clear he will stand down before the next election, although he has insisted he will serve a full third term. He has said there will be no early handover to Mr Brown.

But just this month he said he was "absolutely happy" that the chancellor would succeed him.

Mr Blunkett said it was "self-evident" that Mr Brown would take over from Mr Blair.

The chancellor's allies have been pushing for an early transition of power. Mr Blunkett's comments are the clearest indication yet that Mr Brown could be given the job well before the next election.

Mr Blunkett said Mr Blair was right to push ahead with his wider reform agenda.

"If you take your foot off the accelerator, you lose the plot," he said.

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