Former PM Tony Blair has paid tribute to Lady Thatcher:
“Margaret Thatcher was a towering political figure.
Very few leaders get to change not only the political landscape of their country but of the world. Margaret was such a leader. Her global impact was vast.
And some of the changes she made in Britain were, in certain respects at least, retained by the 1997 Labour Government, and came to be implemented by governments around the world.
As a person she was kind and generous spirited and was always immensely supportive to me as Prime Minister although we came from opposite sides of politics.
Even if you disagreed with her as I did on certain issues and occasionally strongly, you could not disrespect her character or her contribution to Britain’s national life.
Blair: 'I believe it's time out not time over for Miliband'
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has paid tribute to David Miliband, following news of his resignation as an MP.
David Miliband photographed with Tony Blair in 2007. Credit: Press Assocation
"I congratulate David on his appointment to a major international position. It shows the huge regard in which David is held worldwide. I'm sure he will do a great job. He is obviously a massive loss to UK politics.
"He was the head of my policy unit and then a truly distinguished Minister in the Government and remains one of the most capable progressive thinkers and leaders globally. I hope and believe this is time out not time over."
Funeral of one of County Durham's best-loved characters
Father John Caden Credit: ITV Tyne Tees
The funeral is taking place today of a long-serving priest who baptised all four of Tony Blair's children. Father John Caden, who was known as Father Jack, died last month at the age of 90. He had been a Priest for 65 years.
Father Caden counted many stars among his friends even buying President George Bush a drink when he visited Sedgefield in 2003.
Pictures of close friends Tony and Cherie Blair adorned Father John Caden's walls Credit: ITV
Although their patron cannot be in the North East today, an event held by the Tony Blair Sports Foundation to celebrate its fifth anniversary and the success of the 2012 games will still go ahead as planned.
The event at Copthorne Hotel will be hosted by partners and members of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation - including board member Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and former Olympian Steve Cram.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson is a board member of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation Credit: ITV News
The Foundation's 'Pass It On' campaign will officially be launched today to carry on the olympic legacy in the region.
The other events that Mr Blair had been planning to attend at Walker Technology College, Newcastle Cricket Centre and Rutherford Football Club have been cancelled.
Tony Blair cancels visit to region after father falls ill
Tony Blair was set to return to the North East to mark the anniversary of his foundation Credit: ITV
The Tony Blair Sports Foundation is celebrating its fifth anniversary and its patron, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, has had to cancel his proposed visit to the region after his father fell ill last night.
As part of the anniversary celebrations Mr Blair was planning to launch the Foundation's Pass It On campaign, which will continue building on the post-Olympics legacy in the North East. It is hoped that this will continue to inspire people to take part in sport and keep active.
Tony Blair had also been set to be officially launch the partnership between his foundation and Walker Technology College in Newcastle. Through the partnership, the foundation will help provide tennis coaching for primary school pupils, including for the visually impaired.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair says the appointment of Justin Welby as the new Archbishop of Canterbury is a "very interesting choice, and a very good one".
Mr Blair was commenting after today's announcement that the former Bishop of Durham would become the new head of the Church of England. He said:
"I think Justin Welby is a very interesting choice, and a very good one.
"Not just the Church of England, but the faith part of our society needs strong leadership, innovative leadership, and a little bit of sparkle and enthusiasm.
"I think he'll bring something very, very special to the job."
