Tony Blair Inc: a nice little earner

TONY BLAIR is cashing in on his experience as Britain's longest-serving Labour prime minister by setting up a "commercial partnership" that offers clients political and economic advice.

The business venture, Tony Blair Associates, has been disclosed by the official watchdog that scrutinises paid employment undertaken by former ministers.

The advisory committee on business appointments said in a statement on its website this weekend: "Tony Blair has established Tony Blair Associates which will allow him to provide, in partnership with others, strategic advice on a commercial and pro-bono [free] basis, on political and economic trends and governmental reform."

The committee said it saw "no reason why he should not set up the firm forthwith", and disclosed that this had been done this month. It is believed