London, Dec. 20 (ANI): As Britain’s Prime Minister, Tony Blair acquired a reputation for being stingy and cheap when it came to doling out goodies to his staff. Staff could expect little more than a mince pie and mulled wine at their Christmas party.

But now, the former Labour leader has become a multi-millionaire world statesman, and he let loose his purse strings at was a lavish festive soirée for his employees.

According to The Telegraph, Blair paid an estimated 10,000 pounds to hire Mahiki, the Mayfair nightclub that has become a favourite of Princes William and Harry.

The party was surprisingly organised by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which was created to “promote understanding between the major religious faiths”

There were about 200 guests in the section that Blair had hired, including two of his children: Euan, 25, a banker with Morgan Stanley, and Kathryn, 21, a student. Surprisingly, perhaps, Tony and his wife, Cherie, are understood not to have attended.

Guests drank champagne and Mahiki’s famous “Treasure Chest” cocktails, which cost 100 pounds each.

Blair’s spokesman declined comment. (ANI)