TONY Blair was today confirming the date he will quit as Prime Minister.
The PM was expected to make an announcement on his future as Labour leader today - and it is expected in his Durham constituency.
Labour supporters from Huddersfield were among many who were given a special invite to Trimdon Labour Club in the Durham town of Sedgefield this morning for the expected announcement.
And they said it would be a memorable occasion.
Councillors Ken Smith and Molly Walton made the 120 mile journey, along with the family of Kirklees Council labour leader Clr Mehboob Khan, who is in London.
Mr Blair was expected in Durham late this morning after a 9am Cabinet meeting in Downing Street when he was due to announce his plans.
Mr Blair was telling Cabinet colleagues of his intentions but made no public statement in Downing Street.
His confirmation that he is stepping down will trigger a contest that will see him quit as Prime Minister within weeks, Downing Street confirmed.
Mr Blair remains as Labour leader until his successor is formally elected at a special party conference, and as Prime Minister until he hands in his seals of office to the Queen.
Labour's National Executive Committee will meet within 72 hours of the confirmation to agree the exact timetable for an election to replace both Mr Blair and his deputy John Prescott.
The whole election process will take around seven weeks, meaning Mr Brown - if he is elected - will take office some time in late June or early July. But today's landmark will not pass without a protest.
Anti-war activists from the Stop The War coalition will stage a protest in Downing Street to mark the "deadly legacy" of departing Prime Minister Tony Blair.
