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Blair defies

critics

LONDON: Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Tony Blair defied critics on Sunday and reaffirmed his crusade to modernise the party despite increasing attacks against his political strategy.

Blair, 42, who has propelled Labour to a 20-point lead in opinion polls over the ruling Conservatives since he was elected leader in July last year, was firm in his belief that he was on the right track to win the next general election due by mid-1997.

"The leader retains his unshakeable belief that the Labour Party must reform itself if it is to win the election and carry out its programme in government," his spokesman told The Sunday Times after talking to Blair, who is on holiday in Italy.

"There will be no let up in his crusade to modernise and change the Labour Party so that it is best equipped to make the changes the country needs," the spokesman said.

Blair's remarks followed a fierce attack on Saturday from former deputy Labour leader Roy Hattersley who accused him of neglecting the poor in his efforts to woo middle class voters.-Reuter