PM congratulates Blair

Helen Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark has personally congratulated British Prime Minister Tony Blair on his election success - after he called her from London.

Britain's Labour Party won a historic third term in office in elections last Friday.

Helen Clark said Mr Blair rang her about 11pm on Saturday, after she had indicated she wanted to congratulate him personally.

During a short conversation she extended an invitation for Mr Blair to visit during his third term as Britain's Prime Minister.

Helen Clark has said the election win will mean it will be "business as usual" between the two governments.