Blairs' discount designer clothes caused concern, No 10 files show

According to the news article, the Blairs' use of discounted designer clothing caused concern within the UK government. Files from Downing Street show that officials were worried the discounts would have to be declared and advised the Blairs to pay back thousands of pounds to avoid potential issues. The article suggests that the Blairs, who were the UK's Prime Minister and spouse at the time, had been receiving significant discounts on designer clothes, which raised concerns about whether these discounts should have been declared as gifts or benefits. The government officials advised the Blairs to repay the discounted amounts to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or improper use of public funds. The article does not provide further details on the specific amounts involved or the outcomes of the government's advice. However, it highlights the sensitivity around public figures and their personal finances, particularly when it comes to the perception of special treatment or the use of taxpayer resources.