Labour swept to power in May 1997 promising to abolish the boom-and-bust economy, revolutionise the constitution, transform the National Health Service and put Britain at the heart of Europe.
But while the past four years have seen significant policy successes on the economy, crime and in Northern Ireland, Tony Blair's first term in power also has seen dramatic personal and political failures:
1997: In its first week in power, Labour grants operational independence to the Bank of England. Foreign Secretary Robin Cook pledges to bring an "ethical dimension" to foreign policy. Referendums in Wales and Scotland pave the way for devolved assemblies. First serious Labour party revolt when 47 MPs vote against benefit cuts for single mothers.
Introduction of university tuition fees. Chancellor Gordon Brown rules out euro membership for lifetime of parliament and sets five economic tests. In November Blair faces allegations of sleaze over £1 million sterling gift from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, as the government exempts F1 from proposed ban on tobacco advertising in sport. Gift is returned and Blair apologises.
1998: Blair announces judicial inquiry into events on Bloody Sunday. Signing of Belfast Agreement in April is endorsed in referendums in Northern Ireland and the Republic. Peter Mandelson appointed Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Welsh Secretary Ron Davies resigns after "moment of madness" on Clapham Common. London voters approve devolved government for the capital.
UK diplomat found to have breached UN arms embargo by approving arms shipment to Sierra Leone. Peter Mandelson resigns over £300,000 sterling home loan from Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson.
1999: Macpherson report on murder of Stephen Lawrence finds police guilty of "institutional racism". Elections to Northern Ireland Assembly, Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. Britain participates in NATO air attack on Serbia. Cabinet shuffle sees Mo Mowlam moved to Cabinet Secretary and Mandelson appointed Northern Ireland Secretary. 600 peers removed in first stage of reform of House of Lords. Interest rates cut to 5 per cent.
2000: Labour criticised over opening night fiasco at the Dome and escalating costs. Ken Livingstone defeats Labour candidate Frank Dobson and is elected London Mayor. Northern Ireland Executive suspended, later restored after IRA says it will "initiate" process of putting arms beyond use. BMW pulls out of Rover in Longbridge and Ford ends car production in Dagenham. Protests across Britain over petrol prices. Rail services under strain as derailment forces speed restrictions. Leak of Blair memo in which he says voters perceive government is "out of touch" with gut British instincts. Crisis in NHS leads Blair to pledge 6.1 per cent spending growth over four years.
2001: Mandelson resigns again, this time over the Hinduja passport affair. He is later cleared of wrongdoing by official inquiry. Unemployment figure falls below one million for first time since 1975. Overall crime falls by 10 per cent but there is an increase in reported incidents of violent crime. Foot-and-mouth epidemic delays election.