Tony Blair will declare himself a Catholic after he leaves Downing Street, according to a leading cleric.

Father Michael Seed, who has been a spiritual confidant to Mr Blair and his family for the last six years, made the prediction to friends at a recent memorial service.

Known for bringing high-profile politicians and aristocrats into the Catholic fold, Seed said that Blair was 'a Catholic by desire' and that this did not necessitate a formal conversion.

There has long been speculation that Mr Blair, an Anglican, would convert to Catholicism, the faith of his wife Cherie.

Meanwhile, Downing Street refused to comment on Blair's religious intentions. A spokesman said: "This story is always circulating in one form or another.

"The Prime Minister remains a member of the Church of England."

Anglican leader the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has recently praised Blair for defending religious values and differences during his time in office.

Dr Williams paid tribute to Blair's commitment to religious freedom: "Tony Blair has understood as well as any Prime Minister in recent times why religion matters, how faith communities contribute to the common good and why religious extremism should have no place in a progressive society.

"As a man of genuine personal faith, he has not shied away from the risk associated with confronting extremism, while respecting difference."

Blair will leave office on 27 June after 10 years in power.