By James Grubel CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - After a decade as Australia's prime minister in waiting, Treasurer Peter Costello is now outlining a blueprint for a Costello government -- a move analysts say is designed to bolster his leadership chances.

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Ambitious Australian Treasurer Peter Costello said on Monday that Prime Minister John Howard had promised to hand over power in his second term, contradicting his long-serving leader over the existence of a succession deal.