Gamal denies desire to lead Egypt

Gamal Mubarak and his wife of three days Khadiga al-Gamal

The youngest son of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has given a rare interview and insisted he had no plans to become the country's next president.

Speaking to Arabic satellite television channel, Orbit, Gamal Mubarak said "the intention and ambition to run for president did not exist".

The interview came three days after Gamal married Khadiga al-Gamal, the daughter of a wealthy businessman.

This was widely interpreted as part of a plan to succeed his father.

I said before and I am repeating it again, the intention and ambition to run for president doesn't exist Gamal Mubarak

The Mubarak family denies such plans.

Gamal Mubarak has risen swiftly to become the most powerful figure in Egypt's ruling party, leading a programme of economic liberalisation.

Opposition groups say the government's controversial political reforms, including changes to the constitution last month, have served to pave the way for Gamal to succeed his father.

When asked in the interview if he would accept the nomination for presidency if it was offered by the ruling National Democratic Party, Gamal said: "As long as you don't have the desire, whatever the party says doesn't matter. I'm not looking for any executive post."