Britain supports scheme for a powerful 'President of Europe'

Britain will propose the creation of a powerful new post of President of Europe today as the Government outlines its goals for a new governing treaty for the European Union.

Some cabinet ministers believe that Tony Blair may seek the post himself if he decides to stand down as Prime Minister after the next general election. "Downing Street is taking a very close interest in this proposal," said a government source.

The appointment of a figurehead to represent the EU on the world stage, originally floated by France, is gaining support across Europe and is likely to be included in the new treaty, to be agreed in two years' time.

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, declares the Government's backing for the post in an article in The Economist magazine. He argues that a full-time president would be better than the current system of "musical chairs" under which one country holds the rotating chairmanship of the EU for six months. "This stop-go comes at the expense of consistency and efficiency," he argues.

Mr Straw says the president should be chosen by the EU's 15 heads of government and be accountable to them. "He or she would serve for several years, overseeing delivery of the Union's strategic agenda and communicating a sense of purpose to Europe's citizens," he says.

In his article, Mr Straw discloses that Britain will support bringing foreign and home affairs under the new EU treaty – a move that will be attacked by the Tories as a step towards a European superstate.