Tony Blair’s dying for a garden shed

Tony Blair has a lot on his mind at the moment, what with his Faith Foundation and his duties as Middle East peace envoy. This has not stopped the former Prime Minister attending to more mundane domestic matters, however, notably the installation of a garden shed at his £5.75m listed mansion in Buckinghamshire.

Being the Blairs, this is not just any old shed. He and his wife Cherie have submitted a planning application to create a £20,000 equipment store.

According to the proposals from the Blairs' architect, it will measure 21ft by 9ft and be constructed from reclaimed brick, discreetly concealed beneath weather boarding, with an attractive zinc roof. The interior will also include what is referred to as a dying [sic] area, as well as a toilet and sink.

This is not the only home improvement the Blairs have attempted to carry out at South Pavilion, the former home of the theatrical knight, Sir John Gielgud. Last year they took delivery of a 30,000, 20ft by 8ft swimming pool. They were not best pleased when they were ordered to put it into storage because appropriate planning permission had not been granted.