BLACKBURN'S former veteran MP Barbara Castle has accused Labour leader Tony Blair of dangerous "political timidity."

The former Cabinet minister hit out following the decision to demote Clare Short in the Shadow Cabinet because of her controversial comments.

Meanwhile, the ex-Blackburn member, in an interview in the Guardian, warned that Britain now faced the dirtiest General Election in living memory.

However, it is her comments about Mr Blair's own actions which look likely to be grabbed by the Conservatives and prove embarrassing to the Labour leadership.

For though "Battling Barbara", now Lady Castle of Blackburn, praised Mr Blair's skills and said he had the "guts for fighting for what he believes in," she also made clear her own criticisms.

She criticised his decision last week to demote Clare Short from Shadow Transport Secretary to Overseas Development, stating: "It shows part of the leadership's excessive caution and timidity which is not helping them to win.

"It is inexcusable to sack someone who's come third in the poll, or rather move her to a job she doesn't want. I don't like it. It shows timidity - a political timidity which is extremely dangerous."

In addition as the parties prepare for a savage confrontation within the next few months, she predicted the battle between the Tories and Labour will be more bitter than any she has experienced in the past.

Lady Castle was first elected for Blackburn in 1945 and represented the town until 1979.

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