The 2001 presidential election of the Commonwealth of Britain was fought between incumbent President Kenneth Clarke, of the Conservative Party, and Liberal challenger Tony Blair. Clarke, 61, had been President since 1996, when three-term President Thatcher decided not to seek a fourth term. Blair, 48, was chosen from a small field of candidates, including Speaker Robertson. Blair was the Leader of the Majority in Parliament and his selection was not seriously challenged once it became clear he had the ability to win.