Cherie's role in talks 'makes sense'

Downing Street was forced on to the defensive today over Cherie Blair's role in chairing No10 seminars on a variety of high-profile political subjects.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs Blair had led "about a dozen" question-and-answer sessions which involved Cabinet ministers and a number of other senior figures.

It "made sense" for her to stand in for Mr Blair when he was unable to attend, even though she is unelected and unaccountable, the spokesman added.

At one such event, in February, Mrs Blair chaired a session on transport - a highly sensitive political issue at the time - with Transport Secretary Stephen Byers and his deputy John Spellar merely sitting in the audience.

Today Mr Blair's spokesman said Mrs Blair, a QC, had led such sessions for about 18 months. He described her role as a "moderator" and added: "It is not her role to express opinions. It is not her role to set policy."