London, June 29: A powerful Indian-origin minister is likely to be appointed the next European Commissioner from Britain, a newspaper reported Monday.
Shriti Vadera, an ex-banker who is now a minister for business and a formidable ally of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, is tipped to be his choice to fill Britain's place in the next European Commission, The Times reported.
"Lady Vadera's chances of landing a five-year stint in Brussels have risen sharply in recent weeks thanks to lobbying from the current European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso," the newspaper said.
It quoted unnamed senior government officials as saying Barroso is urging Brown to nominate a female candidate.
