Cherie is accused of 'cashing in' on US visit

Tony Blair has been accused of "cashing in" on an official visit to the United States by allowing his wife to accept a lucrative speaking engagement shortly before he meets President George Bush.

Tony Blair has been accused of "cashing in" on an official visit to the United States by allowing his wife to accept a lucrative speaking engagement shortly before he meets President George Bush.

Next week's event in Washington, an audience with the "First Lady of Downing Street", will take place days before Mr Blair has talks at the White House.

But the Tories charged the Prime Minister yesterday with "cashing in on his position". Tickets for the event- an interview followed by questions - are priced from £30 to £330 and it may raise about £80,000, but Mrs Blair's fee is unknown.

Chris Grayling, the shadow Commons Leader, said: "Surely he must realise how bad it looks ... making money in a way which is so clearly linked to his duties as head of Government."

Downing Street said it was a "private engagement" and stressed it would cost the taxpayer nothing as Mrs Blair would make her own travel arrangements. It also said she had been booked to appear before the White House talks were set up.