NOBODY cares about when Prime Minister Tony Blair intends to quit, they want to talk about local issues, according to South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove.

Mr Blair yesterday came under pressure from a group of junior ministers and backbenchers to name a date for stepping down.

A group of 15 MPs signed a letter calling for Mr Blair to step aside, while junior ministers stepped down in protest at the Prime Minister hanging on.

But Mrs Snelgrove says the issue does not count with Swindon voters.

"I was out this morning talking to residents and no one brought up the issue," she said.

"People wanted to talk about our plans for improving Swindon's schools and hospitals, and what we are doing for families in our community."

The letter from 15 MPs sent on Monday urges Mr Blair to stand down as Prime Minister.

It says that without an urgent change of leader Labour risks losing the next General Election.

The signatories - seven of whom resigned yesterday from positions in the Government - described themselves as Labour loyalists and modernisers and stress their record of support for Mr Blair.

But they warn that the brutal truth is that it will be impossible for the Government and the Labour Party to renew itself unless he steps aside urgently for a successor.

They ask the Prime Minister to stand aside.

They assure the Prime Minister: "This is not a plot against you by people who want to reverse or slow down the progress you have led.

"We are all as determined as you are that nothing should stand in its way.

"But we believe that it is impossible for the party and the Government to renew itself without renewing its leadership as a matter of urgency.

"As utter Labour loyalists and implacable modernisers, we therefore have to ask you to stand aside."

Attempts were made to contact North Swindon MP Michael Wills, but no reply was received by the time the Adver went to press.