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London: Cherie Blair today faced fresh accusations she was cashing in on her husband's name after registering a potentially lucrative website. The internet domain name www.cherieblair.org.uk has been reportedly registered by the American socialite Martha Greene on behalf of the prime minister's wife.
The choice of her married name for the site - she practises as a barrister under the name Cherie Booth - will be seen as the clearest sign yet that Cherie is looking to build up her commercial career when her husband leaves office.
She already faces criticism from the Conservatives for undertaking a money-spinning lecture tour of the US and Canada this June.
The tour - originally billed as a chance to hear "the First Lady of Great Britain" - coincides with what is expected to be Tony Blair's last full month in Downing Street and will earn her an estimated £100,000 (Dh720,000). The engagements, booked through the Harry Walker agency, will see Cherie visit Toronto, Vancouver, San Jose and Denver. Tickets cost $599 (Dh2,198) each.
Main platform
Greene prompted controversy in November when it emerged she had registered the domain name www.blairfoundation.org.uk. The foundation is expected to be the main platform for Blair's charitable work and speaking engagements when he leaves office.
The Blairs are estimated to have mortgage debts approaching £5 million (Dh36 million) after amassing a property portfolio which includes a home in Sedgefield, two flats in Bristol and their £3.5 million (Dh25.2 million) house in London's Connaught Square.
The family also paid £800,000 (Dh5.7 million) for a property neighbouring the Connaught Square home which will be knocked into a single property.
The scale of the mortgage payments has led to speculation that Blair will quickly follow his wife on the north American lecture circuit. As a former prime minister he will be able to command up to £100,000 for some speaking engagements.
Greene, who was reportedly the go-between on the purchase of the Connaught Square property, has been tipped to be the Blairs' manager when they leave No 10.
- Evening Standard
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