Monday, August 1 2005 13:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London : British Prime Minister Tony Blair is not likely to contest in the next General Elections, he has told his family and close political allies, a leading daily reported today (Aug 1, 2005).

Blair has discussed the issue with his wife, Cherie, and some of his oldest political allies have been told of his plans for a 'clean break', The Guardian said.

Quoting his friends, the report said he is not seeking a frontline political role outside British politics, such as President of the European Commission, or some other big international body, such as the United Nations.

There had been suggestions that as a relatively young man he would be willing to act as a reforming EU president, but the idea of negotiating changes with other elected European politicians does not appeal, the newspaper said.

One source said that apart from writing his memoirs Blair also wants to do something relevant to his religious beliefs, including promoting inter-faith unity.

His move will help avert any charge that he is lingering in the House of Commons to act as a backseat driver to his expected Labour successor, Chancellor Gordon Brown, the report said.

Blair's plan buries suggestions that he may, rethink his intention to stand down as Prime Minister and party leader near the end of his current term.

52-year-old Blair has been MP from Sedgefield since 1983, after unexpectedly winning the Labour nomination there at the age of 30.