David Cameron to set up Tony Blair-style charity – prompting fears he will be seen as a ‘posh do-gooder’
Former PM wants to boost the life chances of under-privileged kids but is warned he needs to make sure it isn't seen as being about cash
DAVID Cameron is to set up a Blair-style charity – prompting fears he will come under fire as a “posh do-gooder”.
The former PM wants to set up a foundation to boost the life chances of under-privileged kids and his national citizenship service.
Pals revealed his plans days after he stood down as an MP last week.
The Tory is also expected to coin it in on the after-dinner speaking circuit where he will command at least £50,000 an hour.
But he was warned he risks it being portrayed as a money-spinning venture if he isn't careful.
Martin Bright, who worked for the ex-Labour PM’s faith foundation, said: “He needs to make sure it isn’t simply set up to the greater glory of David Cameron – or to make him money.
“If he is genuine about making a difference to social mobility and community cohesion then good for him.
“But he risks being just another posh do-gooder.”
Mr Blair set up his Faith Foundation in 2008, a year after quitting parliament.
It attempts to reconcile world religions and has attracted millions of pounds from wealthy backers.
While Mr Blair has made millions from his commercial activities, he has not profited from his three charities - but the lines between the two have sometimes wrongly blurred in the eyes of the public.
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But Mr Bright, who now runs his own youth employment charity Creative Society, added: “My experience of working for Tony Blair’s foundation showed me that it’s hard to make a difference from a flash corporate office, staffed by unpaid interns and refugees from banking.
“Cameron needs to learn from Blair’s mistakes.”
Last week Mr Blair announced he is to close down most of his commercial activities following years of criticism over his money-making ventures.
He will hand over the bulk of the reserves held by the companies - thought to amount to £8million - to his charitable work.
Former Chancellor George Osborne reveals today that Mr Cameron decided to quit Parliament to avoid undermining his successor in Downing Street.
Writing in The Sun on Sunday, he says: “All he could see ahead of him was endless speculation about whether or not he agreed with Theresa May about this or that issue.”