Key Blair aide to join BP

Anji Hunter, Prime Minister Tony Blair's most trusted lieutenant, is leaving the Government to join BP.

Ms Hunter will leave her job as Director of Government Relations in Downing Street to join the company in the New Year.

She has been ever–present at Mr Blair's side since he became Labour leader seven years ago and her departure will send shock waves through Whitehall.

Ms Hunteris to become director of communications for BP.

Mr Blair said in a statement today: "Anji has made a fantastic contribution to Government and the Labour Party. Our loss will be BP's gain. We wish her every success in her new job."

Mr Blair's official spokesman said that before the June general election, Ms Hunter had been in "fairly lengthy" talks with BP, and she had planned to leave after the general election in June.

The Prime Minister asked her to stay on to help "see in" the new Government, but there was always an understanding that she was likely to leave in the autumn.

The spokesman said a replacement would be appointed to Ms Hunter's job as director of government relations "in due course."