LONDON, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Tony Blair has publicly backed Chancellor Gordon Brown to succeed him as British prime minister.

    In an interview with the Sun newspaper, which is published on Friday, he said for the first time that he is "absolutely happy that Gordon will be my successor."

    "He needs the confidence of knowing that he will succeed me and that's perfectly fair enough," he added.

    Previously, Blair has avoided naming Brown as his heir, choosing instead to praise his economic record.

    Many expect Blair to step aside for the Chancellor in 2007, giving him two years to leave his legacy before the next election.

    However, Blair insisted he would only step down once he has completed his reform agenda.

    "I'm not going anywhere. I'm here and I'm going to see the whole program through," he told the Sun.

    Admitting that it will be tough to push through his reforms on education, health and welfare, the Labor Party leader who has won a historic three terms noted: "I am confident I can win the arguments and get those changes."

    Blair has said he wants to see his election manifesto put into action before he steps down as prime minister, but has refused to name a specific date. Enditem