Blair taking on Middle East role

Successor Gordon Brown's last act as Chancellor was to appoint Mr Blair "Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern", the Treasury said.

That is one of the formal devices allowing an MP to quit the Commons and will force a by-election in the Sedgefield seat he had held since 1983.

The international diplomatic Quartet of the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia announced Mr Blair's appointment as its representative in the search for peace in the region.

Mr Blair, who follows in the footsteps of former World Bank president James Wolfensohn, who quit the post in April last year, is expected to concentrate, initially at least, on encouraging reforms in the governance of the Palestinian territories.

In a statement, the Quartet said Mr Blair's appointment was especially important in view of a recent upsurge of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The former Prime Minister had "long demonstrated his commitment on these issues", it said.

As the Quartet's representative, Mr Blair will be charged with mobilising support for the institutions necessary to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He will also seek to win over international backing and develop plans to promote economic development. Mr Blair will work with a small team of experts, based in Jerusalem, which will be seconded by partner countries and institutions.

The Quartet said: "As representative, Tony Blair will bring continuity and intensity of focus to the work of the Quartet in support of the Palestinians, within the broader framework of the Quartet's efforts to promote an end to the conflict in conformity with the roadmap (to peace).

"He will spend significant time in the region, working with the parties and others to help create viable and lasting government institutions representing all Palestinians, a robust economy, and a climate of law and order for the Palestinian people."

New Prime Minister Gordon Brown welcomed the appointment. "As British Prime Minister, he demonstrated his commitment, over the years, to advancing the peace process, and he brings to the job unparalleled international and diplomatic experience. He is exceptionally well placed to take on this role."