Photo of Sarkozy and Blair showing their mutual sympathie: Blair tickled pink by Sarkozy's comment. Sarkozy to Blair: My goodness, Tone, hasn't your tummy grown!
Tony Blair has been accused of 'knifing' Gordon Brown by holding secret discussions about a job as the first ever President of the European Union.
The Prime Minister was entertained in Paris by new French president Nicolas Sarkozy at an upmarket restaurant called Thiou, where they agreed a joint agenda on Europe.
French political sources have confirmed that President Sarkozy is keen for Mr Blair to take on a full-time paid role as the 'face' of the EU after he quits Downing Street.
But such an appointment would be a disaster for the Chancellor, who has long struggled to escape from the shadow of his political rival.
And Eurosceptic campaigners warn that the prospect of a lucrative post-retirement job in Brussels would compromise Mr Blair's ability to strike a good deal for Britain at this week's European summit, when EU leaders meet to agree a new treaty.
Critics claim this will effectively be a full-scale European Constitution by the back door. Revealed: Secret meeting where French President offered Blair EU President job (more) By Jonathan Oliver and Peter Allen
Mark Alexander
