British PM Blair wants "clean break" from politics - report

LONDON - Tony Blair has ruled out seeking a wider political role in the European Union or United Nations when he steps down as British Prime Minister, the Guardian newspaper reported on Monday.

Blair, who won re-election for a third term in May, will step down as a member of parliament at the next election and will focus on writing his memoirs, the report said.

Citing friends and political allies, the newspaper said Blair wants a "clean break" from politics when he leaves his Downing Street office.

Blair said last October that he would not seek a fourth term as Prime Minister, but would serve his current premiership in full. The next election is due within five years.

He has promised to oversee an "orderly transition" to his successor, widely tipped to be his powerful finance minister Gordon Brown.

British political folklore has it that Brown gave Blair a free run at the party leadership in 1994 in return for a guarantee that Blair, when prime minister, would one day stand aside in his favour.

Blair's followers deny there was a deal. Brown's supporters say there was, and that it should have been honoured by now.

Newspapers have long speculated over Blair's role after he steps down.

Many have linked him to a possible new position of European Union president, although that role is proposed in the draft EU constitution, which has been rejected by voters in France and the Netherlands.

However, the Guardian said Blair would devote his time to his memoirs and a new role related to his religious beliefs, such as promoting interfaith unity.

The report said there was no chance Blair, 52, would reconsider his decision to stand down.

Blair won the May 5 election with a reduced majority after a campaign which concentrated on his support for the Iraq war, which was unpopular with many Britons. No one at Blair's office could be reached for comment on the Guardian report.

- REUTERS