Powell in running for Obama post

Several leading Republicans, including former Secretary of State Colin Powel and US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, are being considered for high-ranking posts in Barack Obama's new cabinet.

John Podesta, one of Obama's transition co-chairs, said that Republicans and independents would be appointed in key positions and other jobs at "not just a token level". Presidents traditionally appoint one member of the opposition party to their cabinet.

Podesta's announcement came as the President-elect revealed that he had asked a former Republican congressman, Jim Leach, to represent him at the G20 financial summit in Washington at the weekend. Leach will join Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State under President Clinton, in meeting delegates on Obama's behalf.

In addition to Powell and Gates, other Republicans under consideration for senior posts in Obama's 14-member cabinet include Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana and Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska.