Blair's exit strategy sparks succession fever

British Prime Minister Tony Blair was back at work yesterday after successful heart surgery but his vow to hold on to power for five more years has sparked fevered speculation about who might succeed him and when.

Blair left his Downing Street office in the morning for Chequers, his official country residence, where his spokesman said he was due to do some paperwork over the weekend.

The secluded mansion is a far cry from Westminster, which was abuzz with gossip over the future shape of British politics.

Finance minister Gordon Brown has long been seen as the prime minister's heir-in-waiting but Blair's decision to seek a third full term in office, announced out of the blue on Thursday night, would appear to have dented his chances.