Speculation over Blair future - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Speculation over Blair future

Downing Street has played down reports that Tony Blair is planning to become a roving ambassador to Africa and the Middle East when he steps down as Prime Minister.

It is reported that Mr Blair will forego the opportunity to earn millions on the international lecture circuit to concentrate on raising money for a new Blair Foundation which would fund humanitarian work in the Middle East.

At the same time, reports said that Mr Blair has agreed to a request by US President George Bush to act, when needed, as a special envoy to the Middle East to help the stalled peace process.

A No 10 spokesman said: "This is all complete speculation. The Prime Minister is just getting on with the job in hand."

Earlier, Downing Street denied that Mr Blair will step down as a MP as soon as he leaves No 10.

Mr Blair will announce final details of his plans to stand down as Prime Minister next week.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking