The likeness will sit in Members' Lobby off the main Commons chamber, where there are also sculptures of previous premiers, including Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill.

The move is unlikely to go down well with the ex-PM's critics and the cost of the bronze sculpture, thought to be anything up to £50,000, will also provoke criticism.

Mr Blair is expected to sit for his portrait bust in the next 12 months or so. His likeness will complete the set of sculptures, representing all the prime ministers of the 20th century.