Brown To Canvass For Blair

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports.

Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.

Number 10 officials had earlier denied claims the Prime Minister would campaign for Mr Blair's appointment, however, Mr Brown is now preparing to raise the matter with fellow EU leaders later this week, according to the BBC.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband voiced his support for a Blair presidency at the weekend.

The job of President of the European Council will not be appointed until the Lisbon Treaty is fully ratified by all 27 members states.

Tory leader David Cameron, who insists a UK referendum should have been held on the treaty, said his party does not support Mr Blair's campaign.

Leader of the Lib Dems Nick Clegg is also expected to reject the prospect of a Blair presidency.

Despite the speculation, the former Prime Minister has yet to officially announce his intentions to stand as a candidate.

Silivio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy, has been one of Mr Blair's most vocal European backers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is also supportive of Mr Blair's campaign, amid doubts within her new coalition government over his suitability.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker has formally entered the race.

Anti-Blair sentiment in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg stems from the Labour government's reluctance to bring the UK into the single currency.

Mr Blair's image has also been damaged on the international stage through his association with the American Bush Administration, and the subsequent joint invasion of Iraq.

(PR/BMcC)