LONDON, March 8: Downing Street dumped cold water on Monday over claims from a convicted Australian fraudster that British Prime Minister Tony Blair had a close relationship with his wife's lifestyle guru.
In a forthcoming book, Peter Foster alleges that his ex-fiance Carole Caplin - who advised Cherie Blair on wardrobe and health matters - exerted "extraordinary influence" over the prime minister as well, according to tabloid press reports over the weekend.
Mr Foster reportedly says the two took "long walks in the woods around Chequers", the prime minister's country retreat outside London, and that they telephoned each other at night, holding lengthy conversations. -AFP
