Tony Blair

NAME: Sir Anthony Charles Lynton Blair (known as Tony Blair)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Tony Blair is renowned for serving as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, leading the Labour Party to three consecutive general election victories.

BIRTH: Born on May 6, 1953, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Blair's father, Leo Blair, was a barrister and law lecturer, while his mother, Hazel Corscadden, was of Irish descent. Leo Blair's ambitions to become a Conservative MP were thwarted by a stroke. Blair's family background instilled in him the values of education and public service.

CHILDHOOD: Blair spent part of his early childhood in Adelaide, Australia, where his father taught at the University of Adelaide. The family returned to the UK, settling in Durham.

EDUCATION: Tony Blair attended the Chorister School in Durham and later Fettes College, a prestigious independent school in Edinburgh. He studied law at St John's College, Oxford, where he became interested in politics and was influenced by Christian socialism. He graduated with a Second Class Honours BA in Jurisprudence

CAREER RECORD: After graduating, Blair became a barrister. Blair once represented employers in a battle to deny female factory workers holiday pay.

After entering politics, Blair was elected as MP for Sedgefield in 1983. He became the leader of the Labour Party in 1994 and served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. His tenure included significant reforms in public services, the peace process in Northern Ireland, and involvement in the Iraq War.

Tony Blair resigned as British Prime Minister on June 27, 2007.

After leaving office, Tony Blair remained active in international affairs, including his role as the Quartet Representative to the Middle East, where he focused on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also established the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, focusing on various global challenges, including governance, security, and economic development.

APPEARANCE: Tony Blair is known for his clean-cut, polished appearance, often seen in sharp suits and well-groomed.

Tony Blair By © European Union, 2010, Wikipedia

FASHION: While not known for being a fashion icon, Blair's style was always impeccable, reflecting his professional status.

CHARACTER: Blair is often described as charismatic, ambitious, persuasive, and a skilled orator. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on modernity and progressive policies.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Blair is known to have a subtle sense of humour, often displayed during parliamentary debates.

RELATIONSHIPS: Tony Blair married Cherie Booth, a fellow barrister, on March 29, 1980. She is the daughter of the late, actor, Tony Booth. The couple has four children: Euan, Nicky, Kathryn, and Leo.

When Leo was born on May 20, 2000, the first child born to the wife of a serving British prime minister since Rollo Russell was born to Lady Frances Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound and Lord John Russell in 1849.

Blair with wife, Cherie Booth, touring the Amber Room during a visit to Russia, 2003

His relationships within the political sphere, notably with his Labour Party colleagues and other global leaders, have also shaped his career, influencing his policies and leadership style.

MONEY AND FAME: Blair's tenure as Prime Minister brought him significant fame, and his post-political career has been lucrative, with various advisory roles and speaking engagements.

During his tenure as prime minister, Blair earned a tidy sum of £163,000 per year, more than any of his successors. Gordon Brown trimmed his own salary to £150,000, while David Cameron, not to be outdone, took a 5 percent pay cut, bringing his earnings to £142,500.

FOOD AND DRINK: Blair once revealed to a Labour Party magazine that his favorite food was good old fish and chips. However, in a culinary twist worthy of Islington, he told the Islington Cookbook that his preferred dish was “fresh fettuccine garnished with olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers.” One might say he was all things to all men, especially when it came to his palate.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Blair has shown an appreciation for rock music. He was the lead vocalist and played guitar in a band called Ugly Rumours while at university. 

On Desert Island Discs Blair chose a guitar as his luxury item.

LITERATURE: Blair has written several books, including his memoir A Journey, which provides insight into his time in office and personal reflections.

NATURE Blair has been involved in environmental initiatives, although his policies on climate change have faced criticism.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Blair enjoys playing guitar and is a fan of sports, particularly football. He has been known to play tennis and enjoys watching cricket.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Blair's government was known for its focus on education and innovation, including in the fields of science and maths.

POLITICS Tony Blair joined the Labour Party shortly after graduating from Oxford in 1975. By 1983, he found himself eyeing the newly created constituency of Sedgefield, a notionally safe Labour seat conveniently located near his childhood stomping grounds in Durham. He was elected as MP for Sedgefield that year, despite Labour’s landslide defeat in the general election.

Fast forward to July 21, 1994, when Blair was chosen as leader of the Labour Party following the untimely death of John Smith. Under his leadership, the party adopted a more centrist position, known as 'New Labour'. 

On May 1, 1997, the voters of the United Kingdom decided they’d had quite enough of the Conservative Party’s 18-year reign and welcomed the Labour Party back to power with Tony Blair at the helm. Blair, at 43 years, 11 months, and 5 days old, became the youngest occupant of Number 10 since Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, who took office in 1812 at the sprightly age of 42 years and 1 day.

Blair didn’t just stop at one victory. He went on to win his third general election in 2005, making him the Labour Party’s longest-serving Prime Minister and the only person to have led the party to three consecutive general election victories. Quite the achievement for a lad from Edinburgh.

Tony Blair stepped down as British Prime Minister on June 27, 2007, ending a decade of leadership. 

Blair's tenure as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007 was marked by significant policy initiatives, including the introduction of the minimum wage and devolution of powers to Scotland and Wales.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Blair's Christian faith, particularly his alignment with Christian socialism, has influenced his political ideology. He converted to Catholicism after leaving office and has engaged in various interfaith and philosophical discussions.

SCANDAL During his boarding school days at Fettes, Blair was arrested. He'd been mistaken for a burglar as he climbed into his dormitory using a ladder after being out late.

His time in office was not without controversy. Blair's decision to support the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 became a defining moment of his premiership, leading to widespread public and political debate. The subsequent issues surrounding weapons of mass destruction and the 'Dodgy Dossier' further complicated his legacy.

MILITARY RECORD While Blair did not serve in the military, his decisions as Prime Minister had profound impacts on the British Armed Forces. His government's involvement in military interventions, most notably in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, and Iraq, were pivotal moments in his administration.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Blair is known for maintaining good health and physical fitness, regularly exercising and following a balanced diet.

HOMES: Blair has owned several homes, including the notable Connaught Square property in London.

TRAVEL: As Prime Minister, Blair traveled extensively and continues to do so for work and speaking engagements.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Blair has been a prominent figure in media, both during and after his political career. His appearances have ranged from news interviews to more unusual cameos, such as his guest role in an episode of The Simpsons. His memoir, A Journey, and public speaking engagements have kept him in the public eye.

Tony Blair has been portrayed in various television films and movies, reflecting his significant impact on British politics. These portrayals often delve into his political career, relationships, and key events during his tenure. Here are some notable portrayals of Tony Blair:

Television Films

The Deal (2003) Portrayed by: Michael Sheen

Synopsis: This television film, written by Peter Morgan and directed by Stephen Frears, explores the rise of Tony Blair and his relationship with Gordon Brown. It delves into the so-called "Granita Pact," an agreement between Blair and Brown regarding the Labour Party leadership.

The Trial of Tony Blair (2007) Portrayed by: Robert Lindsay

Synopsis: A satirical television film that imagines Tony Blair facing trial for war crimes after leaving office. The film portrays Blair grappling with his legacy and the consequences of his decisions, particularly regarding the Iraq War.

The Special Relationship (2010) Portrayed by: Michael Sheen

Synopsis: This HBO film, also written by Peter Morgan, focuses on the relationship between Tony Blair and U.S. President Bill Clinton. It highlights the personal and political dynamics between the two leaders during Blair's early years as Prime Minister.

Movies

The Queen (2006) Portrayed by: Michael Sheen

Synopsis: This film, while primarily about Queen Elizabeth II, features Tony Blair's significant role during the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. Michael Sheen's portrayal of Blair captures his efforts to bridge the gap between the public's mourning and the royal family's reticence.

The Journey (2016) Portrayed by: Toby Stephens

Synopsis: This film fictionalizes the events leading to the 2006 St Andrews Agreement, which helped end the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Tony Blair plays a key role in facilitating the discussions between Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Blair's major achievements include the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, devolution in Scotland and Wales, and significant public sector reforms in health and education. Despite controversies, his impact on modernizing the Labour Party and British politics is widely acknowledged.