Jyoti Basu, the 93 year old elder statesmen of the communist party of India (and a former Chief Minister of Western Bengal), has announced that he would like to step down from his position – only to be told by his Party that he has to carry on until at least 2008. Despite reports that he is “unamused”, his party members and beyond continue to beg for him to stay even longer.

Perhaps Tony Blair's advisers should give him a ring and ask for some tips!