By Martin Banks - 15th July 2009
Former Labour MEP Glenys Kinnock says ex-UK prime minister Tony Blair is Britain's candidate for president of the European council.
The new UK Europe minister told journalists in Strasbourg the UK was supporting Blair for the post which will be created if and when the stalled Lisbon treaty comes into effect.
Along with the commission president, it will be one of the most powerful posts in the EU.
It the first time a UK government minister has publicly announced Tony Blair is a candidate for the job.
In an on-record briefing she was asked if the post had been discussed with Blair, saying the government "would not do that without asking him."
The Labour veteran went on to say Blair, currently an envoy to the Middle East, had the "strength of character" and "status" to take on the job.
She added, "People know who he is, and he could step into this new role with a lot of respect and he would be generally welcomed."
Later, sources pointed out that the issue is relatively academic until the treaty is ratified. Four member states are still to back the controversial document, including Ireland which will vote in a second referendum on 2 October. The others are Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
Reaction to her comments was swift with Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party saying he was "disgusted" at the prospect of Blair becoming EU president.
Speaking to theparliament.com in Strasbourg, Farage, said, "If true, this is absolutely outrageous. Let's remember this is the man who reneged on his pledge to hold a referendum on the Lisbon treaty and who is responsible for stripping the UK of much of its democratic rights."
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