Politics for Tony Blair has always been about the exercise of power. Forget the inherited loyalties or ideological truths that bind other politicians to their chosen tribes. The British prime minister’s soul has never belonged to the party he has led for a decade. He sees himself much more as a national leader.

So we should not be surprised by reports that Mr Blair intends to quit parliament at the next election. He disdains the Westminster club. He will always love the political stage but the purpose is to change things. So why would he stay on in the House of Commons once he has passed on the prime ministerial baton?