TONY BLAIR
Early years
Born: 1953 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Education: Fettes College, Edinburgh; law degree at St. John’s College, Oxford
Civil career
1976: Attorney specializing in trade union, unemployment law
Political career
1983: Elected Labor MP of Sedgefield borough
1984-87: Shadow (opposition) trade and industry minister
1987-88: Shadow energy secretary
1989-92: Shadow employment secretary
1992-94: Shadow home secretary
1994-97: Elected Labor Party leader, the youngest ever
1997: Becomes prime minister at 43, youngest since 1812
(box)Wins landslide re-election in 2001
(box)Decides to invade Iraq in 2003 despite opposition
(box)Wins 2005 election, but with lowest share of popular vote on record
(box)Announces departure in 2007
Personal
1980: Marries Cherie Booth; the couple has four children
