WHILE controversy continues to rage over proposals to incorporate a successful school in his own constituency into a privately-funded academy, Tony Blair faces a mounting crisis over his national policy on school reforms.

We have no doubt that the Prime Minister's office is paying close attention to the on-going dispute over the planned closure of Hurworth School, in his Sedgefield constituency, and wants to see a resolution as soon as possible.

But it is the serious opposition from Labour MPs to Mr Blair's vision of introducing independent trust schools as part of the education White Paper which is causing real anxiety at the heart of the Government.

It is clear that Mr Blair will not be able to force through the plans in their present form and failure to do so will damage him fatally at a time when he desperately wants to build his legacy.

He therefore has to compromise, particularly on the vexed question of the admissions policy at trust schools.

We are confident that Mr Blair will listen because this is much more than a rebellion by the usual suspects.

For example, Darlington MP Alan Milburn - brought back into Government to organise the last election campaign - has told the Prime Minister that there must be "give and take" to win the day.

And when someone regarded as one of Mr Blair's closest allies gives that kind of advice publicly, we expect it to be taken.

Indeed, Tony Blair would be a fool not to.