Murdoch has warned Britain’s Prime Minister in waiting, Gordon Brown, not to take his support for granted at the next general election.

The chairman and chief executive of News Corporation said he could see himself supporting David Cameron, the new Conservative leader, despite many years of backing new Labour.

Murdoch has been a firm supporter of Blair since the beginning of the 1997 general election campaign and has praised him for the unpopular war in Iraq and taking action on terrorism.
Blair’s allies will be relieved Murdoch has not called for him to leave office more promptly.

“We’ve been a very big supporter of Tony on big issues, he’s been a very courageous world leader. We’ve also been critical of him on other things like Europe,” Murdoch said.

“But for no reason other than the dynamics of British politics we would like to see at least a year to 18 months a stand-off between Gordon Brown and David Cameron so we can decide which of those most coincides with our views. Those two are going to decide the next election and I think the British public would be cheated if they only got a month or two’s warning.”

His views on the shape of the next US presidential race?

If an election was held today “it would be Hillary Clinton versus (Republican senator) John McCain”.

“In that context I don’t think (Clinton) would be the favourite, but she could certainly win. She and her husband are extremely able and tough politicians.”

Blair, MClinton and McCain are all likely to be guests at News Corp’s executive conference in Pebble Beach, California, next month. Also attending the conference will be former US vice-president Al Gore.

Murdoch said he would not judge Mr Gore’s environmental campaigning before hearing the message from the former vice-president in person.

“We’re all environmentalists, it’s a question of whether some people exaggerate the facts or not.”

The original article appeared in Murdoch’s Australian flag ship newspaper – The Australian