Newly released documents show Tony and Cherie Blair received massive Blairs’ designer discounts on high-end fashion while in Downing Street. Between 2001 and 2002, Cherie Blair bought over £75,000 (now £150,000) worth of designer clothes but paid only £31,000. Officials feared these deals might breach ethics rules.
The files reveal Downing Street advisers urged the Blairs to repay part of the savings. However, it remains unclear if they did so. The Blairs’ designer discounts came from top brands like Nicole Farhi, Burberry, and Paul Smith, negotiated by their personal shopper, Carole Caplin.
Cherie Blair’s biggest savings came from Nicole Farhi, where she spent just £8,000 on £21,000 worth of outfits. Other brands, including Ungaro and Joseph, also gave major price cuts. Even Tony Blair benefited, getting 25% off suits from Paul Smith.
At the time, No 10 staff worried about public perception. Private secretary Clare Sumner noted the sums were “quite large.” She suggested partial refunds to avoid controversy. Officials also considered framing the discounts as standard for high-profile clients.
A new ministerial code required declaring such benefits, prompting internal debates. Sumner proposed arguing that half the clothes were for Cherie’s role as a “career woman.” She also highlighted that some outfits were later donated to charity.
Tony Blair scribbled “Speak to me” on a related memo. Later, Cherie agreed to ask designers for written confirmation that their discounts were not exclusive. The goal was to prove no special treatment was given. Despite this, the final gift list omitted details of the Blairs’ designer discounts.
The files also reveal other lavish gifts Tony Blair received as PM. Bono and Bryan Adams gave him guitars, while Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi gifted luxury watches. No 10 even edited the published list to remove brand names and values, making it “more boring.”
The Blairs’ designer discounts controversy mirrors recent scrutiny of Keir Starmer, who accepted £18,000 in clothing gifts from a Labour peer. The Blairs’ institute stated they followed official advice at the time, adding nothing further.
These revelations highlight ongoing tensions between political privilege and public accountability—proving that even decades later, the Blairs’ designer discounts remain a contentious issue.
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