Bush and Blair: Allies - but for how long?

Tony Blair is awaiting the outcome of the US election in the knowledge that his closest ally on the world stage could be set to lose power.

The two leaders, who famously share the same preference for Colegate toothpaste, have formed a close working relationship since Bush entered the White House four years ago.

The prime minister's decision to back Bush in a pre-emptive strike against Saddam Hussein locked the two leaders in a "coalition of the willing".

Downing Street has signalled that Tony Blair will "make his view known" once the US presidential election result is announced.

A spokesman for Blair said he believed the outcome was a matter for the "American people" but signalled that a statement could be expected once the result is clear cut.

To date Blair has refused to be drawn on who he would like to see win the closely contested poll.

Hoping for Bush

Many MPs, however, believe Downing Street is privately hoping for a Bush victory.

A defeat for the president at such a crucial time in the Iraq conflict could undermine Blair's attempt to move on from the war.

Speaking on Tuesday Alastair Campbell conceded that Tony Blair had taken a "big hit" as a result of his support for the US-led military action in Iraq.

Campbell went on to suggest, however, that Blair could work with a Kerry administration.

It is his job, it is his duty, as the elected prime minister in Britain to make sure he develops a good relationship with Kerry," he said.

"The reality is that if you are the British prime minister, you have got to get on and have a meaningful and strong relationship with the president of the United States, whoever that may be, whatever their politics may be."