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The prime minister has appeared to rule out Gordon Brown's chances to become head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
David Cameron said his predecessor was not the "most appropriate person" to lead the IMF as he would not admit Britain had a "debt problem".
According to press reports, the former Labour leader is hoping to take on the £270,000 a year managing director role but he must first be nominated by the government.
Asked whether the government would veto the nomination, Cameron told Radio 4's Today programme: "I haven't spent a huge amount of time thinking about this but it does seem to me that if you have someone who didn't think we had a debt problem in the UK, when we self-evidently do have a debt problem, then they might not be the most appropriate person to work out whether other countries around the world have debt and deficit problems."
The prime minister suggested the IMF should look to "another part of the world", such as China or India, for its next managing director in order to increase its global standing.
However, he did not confirm if the UK would veto the appointment.
Cameron added: "Above all what matters is: is the person running the IMF someone who understands the dangers of excessive debt, excessive deficit?
"And it really must be someone who gets that rather than someone who says that they don't see a problem."
Brown is due to later today address his former university on the future of jobs and justice.
The former prime minister and university rector will address Edinburgh University students to argue that there is an alternative to the prospect of low growth and high unemployment.
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