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ANALYSIS:SO FAR, Tony Blair has yet to declare his interest in becoming the first permanent president of the European Council, but he is quietly lobbying for the post with the help of one of his former top Downing Street officials, Jonathan Powell, writes MARK HENNESSY

Since leaving No 10, Blair has made millions from a host of business deals and filled a Middle East peace envoy role, even if many of those closely involved in that issue are unsure exactly of what he has been doing. However, Blair is playing for high stakes and could well end up badly humiliated if it does not come off when EU leaders finally decide – regardless of whether he ever puts his hat officially into the ring.