Former Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Mandelson tonight sought to quash suggestions that he is angling for a top job in Brussels, insisting that he wants to serve another full term at Westminster.
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Mr Peter Mandelson
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Mr Mandelson appeared set on a collision course with Downing Street after apparently briefing journalists that he wanted to make a political comeback as one of Britain's European Commissioners.
But in a statement tonight, Mr Mandelson insisted he wanted to serve as Hartlepool's MP for the duration of the next Parliament.
"Press speculation about me going to Europe is just that, speculation," said Mr Mandelson.
"I'm firmly committed to standing in Hartlepool at the coming election and if re-elected, as I'm confident I will be, I intend to serve a full term."
Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair, at the Anglo-French summit was clearly unhappy to be facing questions about Mr Mandelson.
Questioned about the Hartlepool MP's alleged interest in becoming a European Commissioner, Mr Blair told reporters: "I have absolutely no comment to make on that at all."
There was particular anger in government circles at the latest reports as they upstaged coverage of Mr Blair's keynote speech yesterday in which he set out Labour's main themes for the general election.
Earlier today, Mr Mandelson used a BBC local radio interview in Hartlepool to break his public silence on his resignation. While he refused to comment in detail on what had happened, he acknowledged that his own mistakes may have contributed to his downfall.
PA