Tony Blair’s farewell speech confirmed him as the biggest animal in our political jungle with no guaranteed heir apparent when he retires to pastures green. His greatest difficulties have arisen from working closely with George Bush in maintaining our natural place alongside the USA in difficult times, and suffering from his limited respect across the world.

Unless he stays on too long, on the strength of his conference success, he will leave his party healthier than Maggie left hers when she was forced out by her own people. He should be satisfied with that achievement and not jeopardise it by trying to out stay her.

With the multitude of serious issues facing us at home, in Europe and further afield, a very strong team is required to steer the ship through choppy waters.

Whoever takes his place will need the backing of a team dedicated to the service and welfare of others and strong nerves. Not “the business of politics”, as Tony put it, more vocational, and committed to bringing all those who feel excluded back on board to enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of British citizenship, so that we field a full team.

A well educated, healthy, motivated, all inclusive national effort, can more effectively retrieve the pride of Great Britain, give a lead in reducing pollution of the planet and human strife.