Lord Healey, one of Labour's most respected elder statesmen, cited the war in Iraq, the imposition of university tuition fees and the introduction of foundation hospitals as Mr Blair's fundamental errors.
Asked on BBC1's Sunday AM when he thought Mr Blair should step down, he responded: "I think it is time now ... Over the last two years, with the intervention in Iraq, then university entrance fees and foundation hospitals, I think Tony's showing he is losing his grip, and the sooner Gordon takes over the better."
As a former chancellor who narrowly missed out on the Labour leadership, Lord Healey may well sympathise with Mr Brown's desire to take the helm of the party.
