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Jump to full article: The Guardian (uk), 2005-01-02
Author: Antony Barnett, public affairs editor Sunday January 2, 2005 The Observer
Intro: What does a French tobacco tycoon have in common with Des O'Connor, Esther Rantzen, the former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, and a millionaire Labour Party donor? Answer: they have all been entertained at taxpayers' expense at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat in Buckinghamshire.
For nearly 90 years the Tudor mansion has provided British leaders with a rural sanctuary where they can discreetly entertain the favoured few away from the watchful eyes of Westminster.
An invitation to dine there is a mark of prime ministerial favour. But until this weekend the identities of guests have been kept secret, only slipping out as unsubstantiated gossip in newspaper diary columns.
But in a ground-breaking 'freedom of information' victory, The Observer has obtained the names of individuals entertained at Chequers since June 2001. . . .
However, the list's most controversial aspect concerns the light it shines on Labour's links with cigarette manufacturers. The Chequers roll-call shows that Blair used taxpayers' money to entertain French millionaire Alain-Dominique Perrin, a key director of the luxury goods firm Richemont. The company - whose brands include Dunhill and Cartier - owns a £3 billion stake in British American Tobacco.
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