Tony Blair talks

Some three years after Blair left office in 2007, he's back, and this time he's got an autobiography. ShortList's Matt Hussey sat down with the former PM in his private office and quizzed him on life outside politics, Gordon Brown, and when he's planning on retiring. Here's what you need to know about the rendez vous...

Pictures: Getty Images, Rex Features

On Retirement

The ex-PM hasn't stopped working since he left office three years ago. When asked whether he thought about retiring he said, "I'm very much still active in politics in the Middle East peace process, so retired is the last description I’d give. I know some people would like me to retire but I never will."

On Brown

When asked whether he felt sorry for his successor, Blair said: "I have an acute understanding of how tough the job can be. So, I actually feel for anyone who does that job because it’s hard. I think the funny thing about Gordon is that he was overestimated before he was prime minister and heavily underestimated when he was prime minister."

On Botox

Since his return from a self-imposed three-year exile, there have been a number of rumours circulating about Blair having Botox injections. When quizzed on the allegations, Blair replied, "That is complete rubbish. I can safely rule that out. I mean (points to forehead) look at it!

On Bush

Blair discusses his relationship with George W. Bush during his time as PM. "The way the media works, it gives very exaggerated views on people, but you don’t get to be president of the United States and be dumb, believe me."

On Pressure

People say each year in politics is equivalent to three years for everybody else. We quizzed Blair on his life in Britain's toughtest job. "An American president said, “If you can’t stand the heat, don’t come in the kitchen.” You’ve just got to put up with that."

To read the full interview with Tony Blair, [/entertainment/article/58/tony-blair-v-shortlist head this way].