Stars raise cash for Blair

Star Trek's Patrick Stewart boldly ignored the furore over Labour funding to help Tony Blair raise more cash last night.

Other Labour-backing celebrities at the Hilton in Park Lane included Richard Wilson, Chris Eubank and Jimmy Choo.

The Prime Minister, new party chairman Hazel Blears and senior ministers turned out to woo sponsors who paid about £150 a plate for a table with a minister or a celebrity guest.

Also there was Mr Blair's fundraiser Lord Levy, known for his skill at extracting cash from businessmen, some of whom have joined him in the House of Lords.