Blair drawn into controversy over apartment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tony Blair was drawn into the controversy over the pounds 650,000 refurbishment of the Lord Chancellor's grace-and-favour apartment by Downing Street officials who said the Prime Minister may use the suite of rooms in the House of Lords for entertaining, writes Colin Brown.
Mr Blair has been under fire himself for some of the parties he has thrown at Downing Street since the election, but officials said last night the room for partying at Number 10 was too small. A spokesman said: "It's an idea we have been looking at for some time." And he stressed: "It pre-dates any press coverage of the refurbishment. There are restrictions in terms of Downing Street itself, although it is quite a large building the actual state rooms are quite small."
The Tories said Downing Street was trying to save face over the cost of the refurbishment and was making a belated attempt to justify the cost of the renovations.
Lord Irvine's apartments are being renovated at a cost to the taxpayer of pounds 650,000, including pounds 60,000 on wallpaper. There were even reports that he may be installing a Pugin thunderbox, or wooden lavatory.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments