The White House has revealed that former Australian prime minister John Howard is one of the reasons US president-elect Barack Obama is living in a Washington hotel before his inauguration.

Mr Obama had asked if his family could move into the presidential guesthouse, called Blair House, early so that his daughters could start school this week.

But the White House told him it was booked for official functions and guests until just days before he is due to be sworn in.

Now a spokeswoman for First Lady Laura Bush has confirmed that Mr Howard will be spending at least one night there.

Mr Howard will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by US President George W Bush next week.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair is also getting the medal, but he has declined an invitation to stay at Blair House.