A former Labour leader has predicted that Gordon Brown will succeed Tony Blair in a leadership election towards the end of a third term of office.
As the prime minister makes history by becoming the longest-serving Labour premier, Lord Kinnock described the chancellor as "a man of virtually unmatched capability".
Neil Kinnock, who entered the House of Lords last week and who has been tipped for a job in government, said any leadership election was likely to be "a long way off".
But he went on to say that Gordon Brown appears poised to secure the top job despite the suggestion that Cabinet rivals John Reid, Charles Clarke or Patricia Hewitt could enter the race.
"That contest is a long way away and it will occur only when the prime minister, Tony Blair, decides he's subscribed all he can and then wants to go," said Lord Kinnock on Sunday.
"I think that the main contender will be Gordon Brown, who is a man of virtually unmatched capability and now great experience and so that is my straight-forward view and has been for some time.
"Clearly, at the present time, Gordon Brown is the man with the total equipment and I'm pleased to say he's also my dear close friend."
Lord Kinnock also said there was "no reason to believe" rival candidates would beat Brown when the prime minister finally decides to relinquish the leadership.
