And Now… Tony Blair for President of EU?
July 18th, 2009Via: Telegraph:
Downing Street has been forced to admit that it is backing Tony Blair to be President of the European Union.
The intervention came after Baroness Kinnock embarrassed Gordon Brown by admitting that the Government wants Mr Blair to take up the newly created role.
The position will come into force if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified across Europe. It is expected to carry a salary and perks package worth at least £200,000 a year.
The admission came as a close ally of Mr Blair told The Daily Telegraph that the former Prime Minister is set on landing the position which would wield considerable power and influence.
Baroness Kinnock, who was the controversial choice for Europe Minister in Mr Brown’s recent reshuffle, revealed Mr Blair was being supported for what will be a new position that comes into force if the Lisbon Treaty is finally ratified across the continent.
She said: “The UK government is supporting Tony Blair’s candidature for president of the council.
“I am not saying there has been any formal confirmation or statement from Tony but it is certainly is the government’s position. I am sure they would not do it without asking him.”
Downing Street was then forced to admit that they would back Mr Blair.
