Sir Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, born on May 6, 1953, is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and as Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007. He was also Leader of the Opposition from 1994 to 1997 and held several shadow cabinet positions from 1987 to 1994. Blair represented the Sedgefield constituency in County Durham as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1983 to 2007 and served as the Quartet's special envoy to the Middle East from 2007 to 2015. He is the

In office 2 May 1997 – 27 June 2007
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Deputy	John Prescott
Preceded by	John Major
Succeeded by	Gordon Brown
In office 27 June 2007 – 27 May 2015
Preceded by	James Wolfensohn
Succeeded by	Kito de Boer
In office 21 July 1994 – 2 May 1997
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	John Major
Deputy	John Prescott
Preceded by	Margaret Beckett
Succeeded by	John Major
In office 21 July 1994 – 24 June 2007
Deputy	John Prescott
Preceded by	John Smith
Succeeded by	Gordon Brown
In office 9 June 1983 – 27 June 2007
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Phil Wilson
Personal details
Born	Anthony Charles Lynton Blair 6 May 1953 (age 71) Edinburgh, Scotland
Political party	Labour
Spouse	Cherie Booth (m. 1980) 1980​
Children	4, including Euan and Nicky
Parent	Leo Blair (father)
Relatives	William Blair (brother)
Education	Chorister School Fettes College
Alma mater	St John's College, Oxford (BA)

 second-longest-serving prime minister in post-war British history, after Margaret Thatcher, and the longest-serving Labour prime minister. Blair is the only person in history to lead the Labour Party to three consecutive general election victories.

Blair was educated at Fettes College and studied law at St John's College, Oxford, before qualifying as a barrister. He became involved in the Labour Party and was elected to the House of Commons in 1983. As a backbencher, Blair advocated for a shift of the party toward the political centre. He was appointed to Neil Kinnock's shadow cabinet in 1988 and became shadow home secretary in 1992. Following the death of John Smith in 1994, Blair won the leadership election to succeed him and initiated the "New Labour" rebranding of the party.

In 1997, Blair became the youngest prime minister of the 20th century after Labour won a historic landslide victory, marking the first Labour win in nearly 23 years. During his first term, he enacted constitutional reforms, increased public spending on healthcare and education, introduced market-based reforms, implemented a minimum wage, and introduced tuition fees for higher education. He also championed LGBT+ rights, supported the Northern Ireland peace process with the Good Friday Agreement, and oversaw successful military interventions in Kosovo and Sierra Leone.

Blair won a second term in 2001, which was overshadowed by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This led to British participation in the War on Terror, including the invasion of Afghanistan and the controversial 2003 invasion of Iraq, which was based on the mistaken belief that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction and had links to al-Qaeda. The Iraq War caused widespread opposition and decreased Blair's popularity, especially after increasing casualties and the 2016 Iraq Inquiry, which criticized his role in the war.

Blair won a third term in 2005, but his popularity suffered due to the continued involvement in the Iraq War and a series of domestic scandals, including the Home Office's failure to deport illegal immigrants. Amidst the Cash-for-Honours scandal, Blair announced he would step down within a year, resigning as Labour leader in June 2007 and as prime minister shortly after, succeeded by Gordon Brown.

After leaving office, Blair stepped down from his parliamentary seat and was appointed as the special envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East, a role he held until 2015. He became executive chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in 2016 and has continued to influence British politics, particularly under Labour leader Keir Starmer. Blair received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush in 2009 and was made a Knight Companion of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Throughout his premiership, Blair was both highly popular and deeply unpopular, with his approval ratings fluctuating significantly. He is generally regarded as an above-average British prime minister in historical rankings and public opinion.

Early Life

Anthony Charles Lynton Blair was born on May 6, 1953, at Queen Mary Maternity Home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the second son of Leo and Hazel (née Corscadden) Blair. Leo Blair, the son of two entertainers, was adopted as a baby by shipyard worker James Blair and his wife, Mary. Hazel Corscadden was the daughter of George Corscadden, a butcher and Orangeman who moved from Ireland to Glasgow in 1916, before returning to Ballyshannon, County Donegal, in 1923, where Blair's mother was born above the family grocery store.

Blair has an elder brother, William, and a younger sister, Sarah. His family initially lived at Paisley Terrace in Edinburgh's Willowbrae area, where his father worked as a junior tax inspector while studying for a law degree at the University of Edinburgh.

When Blair was 19 months old, his family moved to Adelaide, South Australia, at the end of 1954. There, his father lectured in law at the University of Adelaide. Blair's sister, Sarah, was born during their time in Australia, and the family settled in the suburb of Dulwich, close to the university. In mid-1958, the Blairs returned to the UK and lived with Hazel's mother and stepfather in Stepps, near Glasgow, before relocating to Durham when Blair was five years old, following his father's appointment as a lecturer at Durham University. This marked the start of Blair's long association with Durham.

Blair has been a supporter of Newcastle United Football Club since his childhood.

Prime Minister (1997–2007)

Tony Blair became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 2 May 1997, at the age of 43, making him the youngest person to reach that office since Lord Liverpool in 1812. He was also the first prime minister born after World War II and the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Blair's tenure lasted until 2007, making him the longest-serving Labour Party prime minister and the first person to lead the party to three consecutive general election victories in 1997, 2001, and 2005.

Northern Ireland

One of Blair's most significant achievements was his role in the Northern Ireland peace process, particularly the Good Friday Agreement, which helped bring an end to 30 years of conflict. His leadership was instrumental in bringing together different political factions, and he was widely praised for his efforts in this area. After the 1998 Omagh bombing, which killed 29 people, Blair visited the site and met with victims, demonstrating his commitment to peace in Northern Ireland.

Military Intervention and the War on Terror

During his first six years in office, Blair ordered British military action five times, more than any other prime minister in history. These interventions included actions in Iraq (1998 and 2003), Kosovo (1999), Sierra Leone (2000), and Afghanistan (2001).

Blair was a strong proponent of military intervention based on moral grounds, notably in the Kosovo War, where he advocated for ground troops to address the crisis and ultimately helped broker a resolution through NATO intervention. His actions in Sierra Leone in 2000, where British forces played a pivotal role in stabilizing the country, also gained praise.

However, Blair's decisions regarding the Iraq War, particularly the 2003 invasion, attracted widespread criticism. Despite significant public opposition and internal party dissent, Blair strongly supported the U.S.-led invasion, citing the need to disarm Saddam Hussein and the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This decision faced intense scrutiny, with many arguing that the intelligence used to justify the invasion was flawed, leading to accusations of war crimes from figures like playwright Harold Pinter and former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Blair defended the invasion, stating in 2010 that he would have supported regime change in Iraq even if there had been no evidence of WMDs. The Chilcot Inquiry of 2016, however, criticized his role in the Iraq War, concluding that the invasion was a mistake, though Blair himself continued to defend his decision. In a 2015 interview, Blair apologized for some of the mistakes surrounding the war, acknowledging that it may have contributed to the rise of ISIS. However, he did not apologize for the decision to invade.

Relationship with Parliament

One of Tony Blair's early acts as prime minister was to overhaul the format of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs). He replaced the previous twice-weekly 15-minute sessions with a single 30-minute session on Wednesdays. In addition to PMQs, Blair introduced monthly press conferences where he would address questions from journalists. From 2002 onward, Blair also broke precedent by giving evidence twice a year before the Commons select committee, known as the Liaison Committee, which allowed MPs to scrutinize him directly.

However, Blair’s relationship with Parliament and his colleagues faced criticism. He was often accused of paying insufficient attention to the views of his Cabinet and the House of Commons. His leadership style was sometimes seen as more akin to that of a president than a prime minister, as he appeared to centralize power and relied heavily on spin and media management, which led to accusations of excessive manipulation. In fact, he was the first UK prime minister to be questioned by police while still in office, although not under caution.

Events Leading to Resignation

Blair's time in office, particularly his involvement in the Iraq War, led to mounting criticism. As casualties in Iraq increased, Blair faced accusations of misleading Parliament, leading to a significant drop in his popularity. At the 2005 election, Labour's majority was reduced from 167 seats to 66 seats, reflecting the growing discontent. The Iraq War, combined with the Blair–Brown pact and declining approval ratings, placed increasing pressure on Blair to step down.

In 2006, many MPs within his own party criticized his failure to call for a ceasefire in the Israel–Lebanon conflict, further damaging his standing. On 7 September 2006, Blair announced that he would step down as prime minister by the time of the 2007 Trades Union Congress conference. Despite having promised to serve a full term during the 2005 election, Blair formally declared his intention to resign on 10 May 2007 during a speech at Trimdon Labour Club.

Blair’s resignation set off a leadership election in the Labour Party, with Gordon Brown as the sole candidate. On 24 June 2007, Blair officially handed over the leadership of the Labour Party to Brown at a special conference in Manchester. Blair resigned as prime minister on 27 June 2007, with Brown succeeding him the same afternoon. Blair chose not to issue a list of Resignation Honours, making him the first prime minister in the modern era to forgo this tradition. He also resigned from his Sedgefield seat in the House of Commons, triggering a by-election which was won by Labour candidate Phil Wilson.

Policies

Blairism

Tony Blair's political ideology, often referred to as "Blairism," was characterized by his commitment to economic prosperity and social justice, positioning the Labour Party as a centrist force that could appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. In 2001, Blair stated, "We are a left of centre party, pursuing economic prosperity and social justice as partners and not as opposites." Blair rarely applied labels to himself, but before the 1997 election, he promised that New Labour would govern from the "radical centre."

Critics have suggested that Blair shifted the Labour Party to the right, with some arguing that his policies were more aligned with the center-right than traditional Labour values. For example, left-wing commentator Neil Lawson described Blair as to the right of center in a 2007 opinion piece. Blair's ability to dominate the center ground in British politics forced his Conservative opponents to move leftward, which was reflected in the views of figures like George Osborne, Michael Gove, and even David Cameron, who saw Blair as a skilled political figure.

Social Reforms

Blair's government introduced significant constitutional reforms and promoted LGBTQ+ rights. Among the key reforms:

• The Civil Partnership Act 2004 allowed civil partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples.
• The age of consent was equalized between heterosexual and gay couples.
• The ban on gay people serving in the British military was lifted.
• The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allowed individuals with gender dysphoria to legally change their gender.
• Section 28, which prohibited the "promotion" of homosexuality by local authorities, was repealed.
• Gay couples were granted the right to adopt children, and anti-discrimination policies were introduced.

Blair's support for LGBTQ+ rights earned him recognition, and in 2014, he was named a "gay icon" by The Gay Times.

Blair's government also increased police powers, adding more arrestable offenses and expanding DNA recording, while implementing tough anti-terrorism legislation and identity card schemes.

Economic Policies

Blair is credited with presiding over a strong economy during his time as prime minister. Between 1997 and 2006, real incomes in Britain grew by 18%, and the country saw rapid productivity growth and rising GDP, as well as reductions in poverty and inequality. However, critics pointed out that while poverty rates fell, inequality remained stubbornly high.

Blair's economic policies focused on maintaining fiscal responsibility while investing heavily in human capital, particularly in education and healthcare. Key economic measures included:

• Keeping direct taxes low while raising indirect taxes.
• Introducing the National Minimum Wage and improving employment rights.
• Introducing student tuition fees to fund higher education.
• Creating a welfare-to-work scheme and reducing certain welfare payments.
• Continuing privatization of the railways, but strengthening regulation with the creation of the Office of Rail Regulation and limiting fare increases.

Blair's government significantly increased spending on public services, particularly the National Health Service (NHS). NHS spending rose from 39.9% of GDP in 1997 to 48.1% in 2010–11. Blair's administration pledged to match NHS spending to levels seen in other European countries, ultimately doubling NHS funding in real terms by the end of his tenure

Environmental Record

Tony Blair was a vocal critic of governments that were not taking sufficient action on global climate change. In 1997, during a visit to the United States, he pointed out the failure of "great industrialised nations" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2003, Blair reiterated his commitment to combating climate change, stating that it "cannot be ignored" and suggesting that the world needed to "go beyond even Kyoto" in addressing the issue. His government promised a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, but only achieved a 7% increase in renewable energy by 2010, short of the target. Blair also committed 100 million euros to green policies and encouraged cooperation between environmentalists and businesses.

Foreign Policy

General Approach

Blair's foreign policy was characterized by strong alliances with both the United States and the European Union. He embraced an activist philosophy of interventionism, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when the UK joined the U.S. in the global war on terror. His foreign policy also emphasized building relationships with European leaders, such as Silvio Berlusconi (Italy), Angela Merkel (Germany), and Nicolas Sarkozy (France).

Relationship with the U.S.

Blair's relationship with U.S. President George W. Bush was central to his foreign policy. While their partnership was criticized by many Britons, some of whom viewed Blair as a "lapdog" to Bush, Blair defended the importance of maintaining close ties with the U.S. In private conversations, such as the recorded exchange during the G8 Summit in 2006, their informal, sometimes irreverent rapport was noted.

Middle East Policy

Blair's foreign policy was heavily influenced by his stance on the Middle East. In 2003, he supported U.S. policy on Iraq, signing a letter with other European leaders backing the U.S. invasion. Blair's longstanding pro-Israel views were also prominent, as he maintained close ties with Israeli leaders, including Ariel Sharon, and worked closely with Michael Levy, a key figure in the Jewish community in the UK. However, his foreign policy in the Middle East often drew criticism, such as for not calling for an immediate ceasefire during the 2006 Lebanon War and for his close alignment with U.S. positions.

Syria and Libya

Blair's relationship with the regimes of Syria and Libya was controversial. Documents released in 2012 revealed that Blair's government had considered knighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and helping to improve his image, despite the brutal regime that Assad would later lead. Similarly, Blair maintained friendly ties with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, even after the 2011 Libyan Civil War, with Blair expressing no regrets about his association with the dictator.

Zimbabwe

Blair's approach to Zimbabwe was marked by antagonism toward President Robert Mugabe. He allegedly considered military action against Mugabe's regime but ultimately decided against it. In 2007, General Charles Guthrie revealed that he had advised Blair against military intervention in Zimbabwe, while South African President Thabo Mbeki later confirmed that Blair had pressured South Africa to join a "regime change scheme" in Zimbabwe.

Russia

Blair's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin was controversial. Blair met Putin in 2000, at a time when other world leaders were hesitant to engage with him due to his policies in Chechnya. Blair described Putin as a political reformer with a vision for modernizing Russia. He continued to maintain a positive relationship with Putin, even hosting him in London and expressing confidence in his vision for a strong Russia. However, in later years, Blair faced criticism for helping Putin rise to power and for his lack of concern over Russia's human rights record.

Relationship with Media

Rupert Murdoch

Tony Blair's relationship with media mogul Rupert Murdoch was pivotal during his premiership. Murdoch, the founder of News Corporation, was said to have supported Blair politically, with the Guardian reporting in 2006 that Murdoch's backing had been significant. In 2011, Blair became godfather to one of Murdoch's children, but their relationship soured by 2014 after Murdoch allegedly suspected Blair of having an affair with Murdoch's wife, Wendi Deng. This led to the end of their friendship.

Contacts with UK Media Proprietors

Blair's communication with key media figures, particularly Murdoch and Richard Desmond (owner of Northern and Shell Media), was documented through a Cabinet Office freedom of information request released after Blair stepped down. The documents revealed several phone calls and meetings between Blair and Murdoch, including during crucial moments such as the lead-up to the Iraq War in 2003. These meetings, which occurred between 2002 and 2005, were a subject of public scrutiny. While the content of the discussions remained largely undisclosed, the timing of these communications raised questions about the potential influence of media moguls on political decision-making.

Blair appeared before the Leveson Inquiry in 2012, which investigated the relationship between politicians and the press. During the hearing, a protestor accused him of war crimes, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding his media interactions.

Media Portrayal

Blair's charismatic and informal speaking style made him a compelling figure in the media. His famous tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, calling her "the People's Princess," cemented his public persona. Blair's press secretary, Alastair Campbell, was a key figure in managing Blair’s media image, especially during Blair's first years as prime minister. Campbell served as the official spokesman until 2001, then as director of communications until his resignation in 2003 following the Hutton Inquiry.

Blair's relationship with the Clinton family, particularly with Bill Clinton, was portrayed in the 2010 film The Special Relationship, highlighting their political alliance.

Relationship with the Labour Party

Blair's tenure as Labour leader was marked by tension over his refusal to set a clear date for his departure from office, a move that angered some party members and cabinet ministers. These ministers believed that Blair’s early departure was crucial for Labour to win a fourth term. Some interpreted his policy announcements in 2006 as an attempt to shift attention away from discussions about his exit.

Gordon Brown

Blair's relationship with his long-time political ally and rival, Gordon Brown, was central to his leadership of the Labour Party. The two had a close working relationship before Blair became leader, and they famously made a pact that Brown would succeed Blair as prime minister after a time. However, despite this agreement, Blair enjoyed more popularity among the public, leading to friction between the two. Their relationship became increasingly strained during Blair’s time in office, and reports suggested that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott often had to mediate between them.

Despite their personal differences, Blair publicly endorsed Brown in the 2010 election, praising his handling of the financial crisis.

Post-Premiership (2007–Present)

Diplomacy

After stepping down as prime minister in June 2007, Blair was appointed as the Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia. Blair initially indicated that he would retain his parliamentary seat, but resigned from the Commons upon taking up the envoy role. His appointment was endorsed by both Israel and the Palestinians. Blair's time as Middle East envoy was marked by efforts to broker peace between Israel and Palestine, with a focus on Palestinian rights. However, he resigned from the envoy position in May 2015, after eight years in the role.

Blair's post-premiership career has included various diplomatic efforts, but his legacy continues to be defined by his leadership during the Iraq War and the mixed reactions to his decisions on foreign policy and media relationships.

Private Sector Involvement

Business Roles

In January 2008, Tony Blair joined JPMorgan Chase as a senior advisor, marking his transition into the private sector after leaving politics. He also began advising Zurich Financial Services on climate change. His salary for these roles remains undisclosed, but estimates suggest he may have been earning more than £500,000 per year. Additionally, Blair became one of the highest-paid public speakers in the world, reportedly earning up to US$250,000 for a 90-minute speech. By 2008, he was said to be the highest-paid speaker globally.

Blair also taught a course on issues of faith and globalization at Yale University during the 2008–09 academic year. He followed this with the launch of the Faith and Globalisation Initiative, a collaboration between Yale, Durham University, and the National University of Singapore, offering a postgraduate program.

Controversies and Business Ties

Blair's private-sector ventures have attracted media scrutiny, especially his links to UI Energy Corporation, with reports claiming he received undisclosed payments for his involvement. In 2010, it was reported that Blair's personal security costs were being partially covered by taxpayers, with expenses of around £250,000 per year.

Tony Blair Associates

Blair founded Tony Blair Associates, a firm designed to provide strategic advice on political, economic, and governmental reforms. The firm handles both commercial and pro bono work, with profits supporting Blair's charitable causes related to faith, Africa, and climate change.

However, Blair's work through Tony Blair Associates has faced criticism due to potential conflicts of interest, particularly his advisory role with controversial regimes. Blair's advisory work for the government of Kazakhstan, where he assisted with judicial, economic, and political reforms, has drawn accusations of "whitewashing" the country’s human rights record. Blair defended his role by claiming that his work could guide controversial leaders toward progressive reforms, emphasizing that he did not profit personally from this advisory work.

Blair also faced criticism for accepting an advisory role with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, a position deemed incompatible with his role as a Middle East envoy. Blair dismissed such reports as "nonsense."

Charity and Non-Profits

Blair has launched several charitable initiatives:

1. Tony Blair Sports Foundation (2007): Focused on increasing childhood participation in sports, particularly in the North East of England, to combat childhood obesity.
2. Tony Blair Faith Foundation (2008): Aimed to encourage cooperation among different faiths to promote understanding, respect, and tackle global poverty. The Foundation operates globally but is not aligned with any specific religion.
3. Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative (2009): Focused on promoting good governance in Africa.

However, in 2012, Blair’s Faith Foundation was criticized for using unpaid interns, sparking debates on fairness and transparency in charitable work.

In December 2016, Blair launched the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, focusing on promoting global perspectives in governance and policy. Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin joined the institute in 2023 to advise on political leadership reform.

Books and Memoirs

Blair's memoirs, A Journey, were published in September 2010. The book, which had a controversial release due to Blair’s involvement in the Iraq War, received mixed reactions. Many saw the book as an attempt to profit from his time in office, especially concerning his role in wars that had divided public opinion. The initial response to the book was negative, but it became the fastest-selling autobiography at the time.

Blair made headlines when it was announced he would donate the £4.6 million advance and all royalties from the book to the Royal British Legion, the largest single donation in the charity's history. This gesture was interpreted by some as an attempt to repair his public image, especially given the highly polarized reaction to his political legacy. The book's launch was marred by protests, with Blair being confronted by anti-war demonstrators during book signings.

Overall, Blair's post-premiership career has been marked by high-profile business and advisory roles, charity work, and a controversial reputation linked to his decisions during his time in office

Private Sector Involvement

Blair took on several roles in the private sector, including working as a senior adviser to JPMorgan Chase and advising Zurich Financial Services on climate change, with his salary speculated to be over £500,000 annually. His lectures were lucrative, with Blair reportedly earning up to $250,000 for a 90-minute speech, making him one of the highest-paid speakers in the world in 2008. He also taught at Yale University and launched the Faith and Globalisation Initiative in partnership with several global universities.

He founded Tony Blair Associates, which provided strategic advice on governance, political trends, and economic reforms. The firm was subject to criticism for potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning his role as the Middle East envoy while advising controversial regimes, such as Kazakhstan and Egypt.

Charitable Work

Blair also focused on charitable causes through several initiatives:

• The Tony Blair Sports Foundation, aimed at promoting childhood participation in sports.
• The Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which worked on promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing global issues like poverty.
• The Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative, aimed at promoting good governance in Africa.
• In 2016, he founded the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to assist in promoting governmental reforms and offering strategic advice to political leaders.

Accusations of War Crimes

Blair faced widespread criticism for his role in the Iraq War, with accusations of war crimes raised by figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu. A Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal in 2011 found him guilty of crimes against peace for his actions in Iraq. However, no charges have been brought against him in a formal court. In 2017, a private war crimes prosecution attempt in the UK was dismissed due to legal technicalities.

Response to the Iraq Inquiry

Blair defended his decision to join the US in the Iraq War during the Chilcot Inquiry, acknowledging mistakes in preparation and planning but maintaining that his decision was made in good faith. He emphasized that removing Saddam Hussein was necessary, despite criticism that the war worsened global terrorism.

Political Views

Blair has continued to engage in political discussions, often defending American foreign policy and the need for collective international action. He supported a strong response to Iran's influence in the Middle East and warned of the dangers posed by Chinese trade practices. Blair also became a vocal critic of the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) and called for another referendum on the withdrawal agreement.

Labour Party Criticism and Support

Blair was critical of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, arguing that it moved the party too far left. He later expressed more support for Keir Starmer, praising his leadership and offering advice on controlling immigration and handling political opposition.

Personal Life

Blair married Cherie Booth in 1980, and they have four children. The family resides in Connaught Square, London, and Blair's wealth is estimated to be substantial, with figures ranging from £20 million to £100 million. Blair also converted to Catholicism in 2007, making his faith an important part of his personal and political identity.

Blair's post-office career, with its mix of lucrative advisory roles, charitable efforts, and controversial political stances, has made him a figure of both admiration and criticism.

Tony Blair has received numerous honours and accolades for his political and humanitarian efforts, both during and after his time as Prime Minister. Some of the notable awards and recognitions include:

United Kingdom

• Privy Counsellor (1994) – A traditional British honour for senior politicians.
• Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (2022) – One of the highest honours in the UK, awarded by Queen Elizabeth II. Blair received this distinction despite some public controversy due to his role in the Iraq War. A petition to revoke the knighthood garnered over a million signatures.
• Honorary Doctor of Law (LLD) from Queen's University Belfast (2008) – Awarded in recognition of his role in the Northern Ireland peace process.

United States

• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009) – Awarded by President George W. Bush for Blair's leadership and contributions, particularly for his support during the War on Terror and his role in the Northern Ireland peace process.
• Congressional Gold Medal (2003) – Presented in recognition of Blair's commitment to strengthening U.S.-UK relations and his support for American foreign policy.
• Liberty Medal (2010) – Presented by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, recognizing Blair's global efforts to promote liberty and peace.

Other International Honours

• Dan David Prize (2009) – Awarded by Tel Aviv University for his exceptional leadership in conflict resolution.
• Order of Freedom (2010) – Awarded by the President of Kosovo for Blair's instrumental role in bringing peace to the region. Kosovo even saw some children named "Toni" or "Tonibler" in his honour.
• Invested as Paramount Chief by the chiefs and people of Mahera, Sierra Leone (2007) – Recognizing his significant role in addressing the Sierra Leone Civil War.

Blair's global influence has led to a number of prestigious recognitions, although some have sparked debate due to his controversial decisions, particularly related to the Iraq War. Despite this, his efforts in peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and governance have garnered widespread acknowledgment.

References 

• Heren, K. (2025) Tony Blair tells Brits to stop self-diagnosing with depression as ‘UK can’t afford Spiralling Benefits bill’, LBC. Available at: https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/tony-blair-mental-health-benefits/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
• History - tony blair (no date) BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/blair_tony.shtml (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
• Tony Blair (2025) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tony-Blair (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
• Tony Blair - Agenda contributor (no date) World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/stories/authors/tony-blair-2/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).