David Cameron ‘Would Not Oppose’ Blair Becoming First President of the EU

David Cameron will give Tony Blair a free run if he tries to become the EU’s first president, The Times has learnt.

The Conservative leader has told senior colleagues that they should do nothing to oppose a Blair candidacy if the Lisbon treaty, which creates the role, is ratified later this year.

EU heads of government could choose their first president as early as December if the Irish vote “yes” in an October referendum and the other remaining countries yet to ratify then sign up. Mr Blair, now a Middle East envoy, has avoided openly promoting himself before the selection but is known to be interested in representing the EU on the world stage.

The issue is awkward for Mr Cameron, who has repeatedly refused to answer questions about a Blair candidacy on the ground that the Tories oppose the treaty that creates the post.

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