As Tony Blair forges an unexpected political relationship with US President Donald Trump, the Mirror takes a look at what the former Prime Minister’s life looks like now, nearly 20 years after he left Downing Street
During his time at Number 10, former Prime Minister Tony Blair saw an enormous dip in his approval ratings following his support for the controversial foreign policies of President George W. Bush’s administration.
Now, many years after British soldiers fought and died in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq, Blair is once again at the centre of one of the most pressing global conflicts of our time. It’s been revealed that the 72-year-old, once the hopeful young face of New Labour, will govern Gaza temporarily alongside President Donald Trump, in a new alliance few saw coming.
This development is part of new plans unveiled by POTUS, with the aim of ending the ongoing war in Palestine.
READ MORE: Tony Blair and Donald Trump to ‘govern Gaza’ under President’s plan to end war
Although Blair certainly has extensive experience in the field of Middle Eastern affairs, this appointment has come as a surprise. After all, the once-popular PM is considered a somewhat divisive figure and, furthermore, hasn’t been at the forefront of politics in quite some time.
So what has Blair been up to in the years since leaving Downing Street, and what does the former Labour leader’s life look like now?
£35million property empire
Back in 2019, the Mail Online reported that Blair’s property empire totalled £39million, made up of 39 homes and flats across the country, from London to Manchester. This includes a £8.5million townhouse in the capital’s exclusive Connaught Square, where he and his wife, Cherie Blair, made a home for themselves after leaving their most famous former address in 2007. As reported by Tatler in 2021, the Blairs paid ‘just’ £3.65 million for the plush property at the time.
A £10million country home in the pretty Buckinghamshire village of Wotton Underwood is included in this extraordinary portfolio. Again, this proved to be an investment, with the Blairs having shelled out £4million for their rural retreat.
Meanwhile, the Blairs’ adult children alone were said to possess homes totalling £12 million. Some of the properties on the list were far more unassuming, including multiple flats in the up-and-coming Manchester suburbs of Whalley Range, Urmston, and Stockport.
Staggering net worth
Back in 2014, Blair played down reports of his wealth during an interview with The Telegraph, claiming to be worth less than £20million. He insisted: “Reports of my wealth have been greatly exaggerated. For the record, I read that I’m supposed to be worth £100million. Cherie’s asking me where it is. I’m not worth that. A half of that. A third of that. A quarter of that. A fifth of that. I could go on.”
However, the following year, an investigation by the same publication determined that Blair’s personal fortune amounted to £60 million. Celebrity Net Worth has estimated this figure to be slightly lower, at approximately £45.4million. Still notably more than Blair admitted to.
Career after Downing Street
After stepping down as Prime Minister, Blair went on to take on a number of roles, including as an adviser to JP Morgan and Zurich International. He has previously served as a Quartet Middle East peace envoy. Since 2016, Blair has been executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which, according to the official website, helps “governments and leaders get things done” by “advising on strategy, policy and delivery.”
Do you have a story to share? Email me at [email protected]
READ MORE: Ditch your average Christmas crackers for this £22 beauty alternative set worth £83