Tony and Cherie Blair were advised by senior officials to repay thousands of pounds in discounts on designer clothing to avoid public scrutiny while he was prime minister, newly released documents reveal. The National Archives files show concerns over 'public perception' of discounts of up to 60% from designers including Nicole Farhi.
From July 2001 to November 2002, the couple benefited from £46,000 in discounts on clothing that would have retailed at £76,000, but for which they paid about £30,000. The deals were arranged by Carole Caplin, a fitness adviser to Blair and style adviser to his wife.
In February 2003, then No 10 private secretary Clare Sumner wrote to Blair stating that Caplin had said most of Cherie's clothes were bought at wholesale price, translating to a 60% discount. Sumner noted that while a 10-15% discount might be defensible, 'it is more difficult to make the case for general discounts of 30% to 60%'.
After discussions with cabinet secretary Sir Andrew Turnbull, Blair was advised to write cheques for £1,116 to Paul Smith and £6,532 to Nicole Farhi. 'This provides you with the protection of the cabinet secretary. Nothing is put in the public domain,' Sumner wrote in April 2003.
Cherie Blair was advised to divide her purchases on a 50/50 basis between her role as spouse of the PM and as a career woman, paying in full for the 'public' half. She was also advised to require designers to sign confidentiality agreements.
A spokesperson for Blair said advice was sought and followed. A spokesperson for Cherie Blair said she had nothing further to add to what is already on the public record.
