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The former Prime Minister has had talks with the Liberal Democrats about setting up a new force to fight for the centre ground. He has spoken to Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and his predecessor Nick Clegg about the prospect of creating a pro-European group that would appeal both to Lib Dems and disaffected Labour voters. A source close to Blair said: “He wants to save the Labour Party along with his legacy by wading in behind the Lib Dems and forging a new progressive alliance that will fight for the centre ground.” A source close to Farron has confirmed the talks took place.

GETTY Tony Blair is plotting his political comeback after having talks with the Lib Dems

In a TV interview yesterday to mark Monday’s 20th anniversary, Blair said he has more in common with the Lib Dems than the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn. He said: “Obviously on Brexit, for example, I probably do have more in common at the moment with the Lib Dems.” And the Lib Dems seized on his remarks as the party appealed for Labour supporters’ votes.

GETTY The news comes 20 years on from Labour's historic landslide election victory

Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Tony Blair is absolutely right to identify that only the Liberal Democrats are standing strong against the disastrous hard Brexit of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.”

On Brexit, I probably do have more in common at the moment with the Lib Dems Tony Blair

Casting himself as heir to Blair, Farron added: “1997 shows what can happen when a party is prepared to make a broad appeal to change Britain’s future for the better. “My message on the eve of that anniversary is this: things can on his remarks as the party appealed for Labour supporters’ votes. Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Tony Blair is absolutely right to identify that only the Liberal Democrats are standing strong against the disastrous hard Brexit of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.”

GETTY He has spoken to Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and his predecessor Nick Clegg

Casting himself as heir to Blair, Farron added: “1997 shows what can happen when a party is prepared to make a broad appeal to change Britain’s future for the better. “My message on the eve of that anniversary is this: things can only get better – but this time with the Liberal Democrats. Back us and change Britain’s future.

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GETTY Yesterday Corbyn criticised Blair in his most personal speech of the campaign so far