Tony Blair to step down within 1 year

Admitting weeks of internal party criticism have been "somewhat difficult," British Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed Thursday he will leave office within the next 12 months.

Blair, whodelivered the news during a visit to a north London school, said an annualLabour Party conference later this month would be his last as party leader.

He didn't give an exact date for his departure, saying that is his decision to make.

"I'm not going to set a precise date now. I don't think that's right. I will do that at a future date. I'll do it in the interests of the country and, depending on the circumstances, of the time," said Blair.

"I think the precise timetable has to be left up to me and in the proper way."

Pressure had been mounting on Blair all week to announce when he would step down. Several Labour MPs resigned their government posts Wednesday after insisting on his resignation, and news reports said Blair and Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who is likely to be the next prime minister, had arguments in Blair's office about a handover date.

Blair's popularity in opinion polls hasplummeted due to government scandals over mismanagement, and controversy over British military participation in Iraq and the increasingly violent Afghanistan.

Fearing a loss at the polls in the next election in 2009, many in the party have been calling for fresh leadership.

'Difficult week': PM

Blair beganThursday's statement with an apology to the British public, saying the past week of internal strife was not the Labour party's finest hour.

The prime minister said he would have preferred to make the decision about when to leave office his own way, but said it was "pretty obvious" he wouldn't have a chance to do that.

Blair sharply rebuked colleagues who brought the party's internal split into the public eye.

"It's important for the Labour Party to understand that it's the public that comes first and it's the public that matters," he said.

"We can't treat the public as irrelevant bystanders."

Blair said the government must return its focus to important events going on in the world and at home.

"It's been a somewhat difficult week but I think it's time now to move on and I think we will," he said.

The school visit had been previously scheduled, and Blair spent about 15 minutes speaking with students before making his statement to a lone television camera, away from the throngs of reporters gathered outside.

Brown supports PM's decision

Brown, who spoke to reporters Thursday during a visit to Glasgow, said he would support whateverdecision Blair made.

"This cannot be about private arrangements, but what is in the best interest of the party and most important of all, what is in the best interest of the country," said Brown.

There are reports Blair could officially resign during Labour'sconference in spring 2007, clearing the way for a leadership race that could last up to 12 weeks.

Labour officials hope to have a new leader in place well before the party's fall conference in 2007.

After leading theLabour Party to its third straight election win last year, Blairsaid he would not seek a fourth term.

He had also promised to give his successortime to settle into office before the next election.