Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have reached a secret pact guaranteeing the Chancellor's central role in a future Labour government until the handover of power when the Prime Minister steps down. The deal was aimed at repairing the renewed damage to their strained relationship to get them through the general election. Mr Brown insisted on Mr Blair making a public declaration that he would remain chancellor following speculation that he would be moved or sacked. Mr Blair did it on Wednesday. The pact emerged as Labour members opposed to Mr Blair's leadership - including former ministers - called for tactical voting to oust Blairite candidates in the election.