Cherie's views may not be fantastic for Brown

Published on Saturday 27 May 2006 01:00

CHERIE Blair yesterday fuelled speculation that her husband will try to stay on as Prime Minister for as long as possible, talking about her "fantastic" life in Downing Street.

Mrs Blair's remarks in a BBC World Service interview came only hours after George Bush said he wants Tony Blair to remain Prime Minister until 2009, when he completes his second term as US president.

Despite Mr Blair's falling popularity and pressure from supporters of Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, some of Mr Blair's inner circle are keen for him to stay in office until at least 2008. Mrs Blair last year said the departure from Downing Street was "a long way in the future" and made clear yesterday she is in no hurry to leave.

"I think being in No 10 is such a privilege - there are many fantastic things about it," she said.

"And so I enjoy it, I have to say. And I haven't really thought about what the future's going to be like."