Cherie Blair sported an "I love TB" badge at a book signing.

She wore the cheeky tribute to her husband as she signed copies of her book The Goldfish Bowl during the Labour Party Conference yesterday.

The Prime Minister's wife also laughed off suggestions yesterday that her husband was ready to stand down as he prepared to deliver his speech to Labour's conference.

The Brighton gathering has been dominated by the question of when the Prime Minister will hand over to Gordon Brown.

Senior ministers fuelled speculation by acclaiming the Chancellor as the successor in the run-up to Mr Brown's own speech on Monday.

But Cabinet colleagues Charles Clarke and Peter Hain yesterday insisted the PM would serve a full third term.

And Mrs Blair dismissed suggestions she would miss playing the part of the leader's wife at future conferences.

"Darling that is a long way in the future," she told the BBC.

"It is too far ahead for me to even think about."

Her remarks will anger many of Mr Brown's supporters who want to see him take the helm sooner rather than later.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005