Britain's deputy prime minister says the ruling Labour party will not tolerate any member who is considering challenging Prime Minister Tony Blair's run for a third term in office.
John Prescott told British television Sunday that Labour will "feel very strongly" against anyone threatening Mr. Blair's re-election, adding that the task now is to elect another Labour government under Mr. Blair's leadership.
Mr. Prescott's comments are seen as a veiled warning against Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who is viewed as a possible rival to Mr. Blair.
On Thursday, Mr. Blair announced plans to seek re-election for a third term. His popularity has slipped because of popular discontent over his decision to join the United States in the war in Iraq.