Prime Minister Tony Blair was delighted to keep a guitar presented to him by rock star Bono - but showed far less enthusiasm for a similar gift from Mexico's president. Official files released to the National Archives reveal Blair's selective approach to ministerial gifts during his time in Downing Street.
The former Labour leader was keen to take advantage of rules allowing ministers to purchase gifts at reduced prices once they left office. Blair specifically wanted to buy the instrument given to him by the U2 singer and Live Aid campaigner, though he questioned whether he would have to pay "the full purchase price".
Blair's guitar collection grows
Number 10 officials suggested the prime minister, who fronted a rock band called Ugly Rumours during his student days, might want to take the same approach with other musical gifts. They highlighted a white Fender Stratocaster valued at £2,500 from Canadian singer Bryan Adams as another potential purchase.
However, Blair was much less enthusiastic about an acoustic Vargas guitar presented to him by President Vicente Fox during an official visit to Mexico in 2001. The prime minister bluntly noted: "I don't actually use it."
Tennis racket controversy emerges
The files also show Blair rejected official advice about a Pro Braided tennis racket given to him by manufacturer Slazenger. Officials feared the gift was part of a "marketing ploy" by the company and suggested it should be donated to a children's charity.
They warned Blair that "you cannot be seen to endorse any product" and recommended avoiding any appearance of commercial endorsement. However, the prime minister overruled their concerns and instructed them simply to thank the company.
Blair dismissed the officials' caution as excessive, adding: "It is very churlish to refuse to use it." The revelation provides insight into how the former prime minister navigated the complex rules surrounding ministerial gifts and personal interests.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
