Blair thanks voters for "greatest honour"

Tony Blair, speaking at his own election count in Durham, thanked the voters who swept him to victory, saying: "I thank the British people. There's no greater honour than to serve you as Prime Minister.

"And you have given us a historic moment for the Labour Party.

"The Labour Party, for the first time in the 100 years of our history, looks as if we may be on the verge of a second successive term in office.

"It's an extraordinary thing."

His comments came as other Cabinet ministers celebrated victory, too.

Deputy British Prime Minister John Prescott said voters had given Labour "an overwhelming mandate" while Home Secretary Jack Straw spoke of voters sending Mr Blair back to No 10 with "a thumping majority".

As results streamed in, there was little consolation for the Tories.

The Liberal Democrats held them off in Torbay, which had been the most marginal seat in the country, and Labour retained Putney, in south west London, another key Tory target.