Tony Blair was announced on Wednesday as Britain’s official candidate to become the European Union’s new president, even though Britain’s former prime minister has not confirmed he wants the job and the post has yet to be created.

Tony Blair; Britain’s former prime minister would have to give up lucrative private sector posts

Lady Kinnock, Britain’s newly appointed Europe minister, surprised Downing St and Mr Blair when she declared: “The UK government is supporting Tony Blair’s candidature for president of the council.”