After Dinner Speakers: Cherie Blair, , Kit & The Widow

Cherie Blair is a thoroughly modern mother. Since moving into Downing Street three years ago, the prime minister's wife has juggled her duties of bringing up three children, working as a top flight barrister and accompanying her husband on state business. Even her fourth pregnancy, at the age of 45, did not noticeably slow her down, appearing in court recently for the TUC, in a case against the government. Now the pressure cooker atmosphere in Number 11, where the Blairs inhabit an upstairs apartment, is certain to increase a notch or two with the arrival of the new baby. She holds regular Downing Street tea parties for constituency children and offers her support to several charities, notably Breast Cancer Care, and good causes. Mrs Blair receives about 250 letters a week. Cherie Blair offers perhaps the most eagerly sought opinion on the inner workings of Number 10.