British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he would not give a timetable for his departure from office despite last week's local election results.
"To state a timetable now would simple paralyse the proper working of government, put at risk the necessary changes we are making for Britain and therefore damage the country," he told his monthly news conference.
"It wouldn't end this distraction but take it to a new level."
Speculation about when Mr Blair will step down has been swirling ever since he announced a year ago that he would not stand for a fourth term.