Ms Phillips is patron of a number of health-related charities

The decision comes after they held talks on Ms Phillips becoming involved in campaigns, such as on public health.

A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Brown welcomed "all men and women of talent who want to contribute".

The PM is reported to have been impressed with the presentation skills of the GMTV presenter, who is patron of a number of health-related charities.

'All the talents'

She has previously expressed an interest in politics and is said to be a friend of Mr Brown.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The prime minister is not going to comment on individuals, as the prime minister has said previously.

"In previous statements by the prime minister, he said he would welcome all men and women of talent who want to contribute to public life."

Mr Brown has expressed his desire to create a government "of all the talents", with businessman Sir Alan Sugar also advising him.

Former Royal Navy head Lord West is now the security minister, while the former director general of the Confederation of British Industry, Baron Jones of Birmingham, is a trade minister.

Ms Phillips, a graduate of Birmingham University, is involved with several charities and is patron of Barnardos, Alzheimer's Society, Age Concern, Richard House Hospice and Mildmay Mission Hospital.