Blair denies Cameron ‘relationship’

A spokesman for the former PM dismissed as “overblown” suggestions that Mr Blair was advising his Tory successor on issues ranging from public service reform to the euro crisis and the economy.

Downing Street declined to comment on a newspaper report which said Mr Blair had visited the PM at his country residence Chequers and had spoken to him by phone at least seven times since he took power in 2010.

The purpose of the talks was to update Mr Cameron on developments in the Middle East, in Mr Blair’s role as international envoy, it said.

But it quoted an unnamed senior source as saying their conversations ranged beyond the Middle East to take in domestic policy.

The source said: “It is quite a special relationship between one Prime Minister and another.”

A spokesman for Mr Blair said Mr Blair did speak to Mr Cameron in his Middle East role “But he does not routinely advise the PM on domestic or other policy.” There was no special relationship.