CHALK UP A SQUANDER FOR THE TORIES:

Blair returns to No 10 but Iraq takes its toll (Philip Webster, 5/06/05, Times of London)

TONY BLAIR will return to Downing Street for a record third Labour term today with a severe rebuff from voters over the Iraq war ringing in his ears.

Although he matched Baroness Thatcher’s achievement of three successive victories, Mr Blair’s future was under question as his 161 majority was slashed, with former Labour voters defecting to all parties.

Mr Blair’s popularity appeared to have been a big factor and there were signs that the Liberal Democrats, the only party to oppose the war, were making big advances.

The Conservatives at last began their political comeback and appeared likely to gain at least 40 seats. In the early hours, Labour began losing seats to such large swings that a hung Parliament was not out of the question.

At 12.30am, the Tories were boosted by regaining Putney, South London, on a 6 per cent swing. Labour was further embarrassed when it conceded defeat in its former stronghold of Blaenau Gwent, to Peter Law, an independent who quit the party when an all-women shortlist was imposed.