Blair expected to join Carlyle group

TONY Blair is expected to join one of the most exclusive groups of businessmen in the world after he leaves Downing Street.

The PM is being lined up for a highly lucrative position with the Carlyle Group - an American-based investment giant with strong links to the White House and the defence industry.

The firm has been nicknamed "The Ex-Presidents Club" because it has had a host of former world leaders on its books including George Bush Senior, his former secretary of state James Baker and former British PM John Major. There a also a large number of former US Army top brass.

Mr Blair has been keeping quiet about his plans after his departure from Number 10 - which could be as early as 2007 according to some Labour insiders.

But sources in the City have revealed that he is "seriously considering" a high-profile role with Carlyle - which manages $30billion (£20million) of investments worldwide.

Mirror

Is Blair being rewarded for his support of the Iraq war?

Well John Major got rewarded after the first war. Ok Maggie was in power when it started but it was Major who was in charge when the ground action started for the Allied troops. He was in full support of Bush.

I can believe this will happen but would like to see another source. I have my reservations sometimes about the Sunday Mirror. Have any other tabloids picked up on this?

Good post as it will certainly get conspiracy theories going.

The Payoff! I read this a couple of days ago, interesting.

Sacrifice a few of your troops, play along, and boom! You're in!

Good luck, Tony