LONDON, April 6 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair hinted Wednesday that Gordon Brown would remain as chancellor of the exchequer if Labor wins re-election on May 5.

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown speak at the launch of a Labour party poster campaign in London March 17. (Reuters)

    Blair told GMTV television Brown is one of Britain's best chancellors and he and the finance minister have worked "pretty closely together" despite media reports to the contrary.

    He said Brown's "record speaks for itself so you could want that record to continue really", adding that Brown "has done a fantastic job managing the economy".

    There has been speculation in political circles that Blair would move Brown, regarded as a political rival who jealously covets the premiership, to the post of foreign secretary.

    Blair, who has said he wants to serve a full third term but would not stand for a fourth, declined to comment on speculation that Brown wanted to replace him sooner.

    After asking the Queen to dissolve the parliament, Blair launched on Tuesday what is set to be the most keenly contested British general election since 1992 and named May 5 as the country's parliamentary election day.

    Blair and Brown are due to give a joint campaign press conference later focusing on the economy. Enditem