LONDON, July 23: Britain’s deputy prime minister hinted on Sunday that Tony Blair may ‘very shortly’ step down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, triggering a party election to replace him.

John Prescott’s comment during an interview with BBC television is likely to add fuel to the burning political question — when will Blair move aside?

“I can still make an important contribution when the party has its means by which it makes decisions about that (the choosing of a new leader) and I think that will come very shortly,” Prescott said.

“I think it will be a smooth transition...therefore there will be a timetable that will be decided by Tony and the party,” he said.

The deputy premier said he expected to play a role during any transition phase which he added ought to include a contest.

Although Blair has said he will stand down as prime minister and Labour leader before the next election he has refused to name a date at which he intends to relinquish the reins of power.

Chancellor Gordon Brown is widely tipped to replace Blair although there have been signs from senior Labour politicians over recent months that he may not have a totally clear run for the position.

During the BBC interview Prescott also defended his position following a number of scandals surrounding him.—Reuters