Euan Blair, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, recently shared some heartfelt advice with Keir Starmer’s children on how to navigate growing up in the spotlight of Downing Street.
Having spent a significant portion of his youth in the iconic residence, Euan now offers wisdom from his own experiences to Sir Keir’s teenagers.
While his father was in power, Euan was no stranger to controversy, including a highly publicized arrest at the age of 16 for drunkenness.
Today, at 41, Euan is a successful entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of the apprenticeship company Multiverse.
Euan Blair Reflects on Growing Up in the Public Eye and the Importance of Normalcy
In an interview on Newsnight, Euan Blair advised Keir Starmer’s children to focus on making life behind the famous black door as normal as possible.
He shared how, despite the extraordinary circumstances, he and his siblings maintained a sense of normalcy within their family flat.
Euan explained, “As much as it sounds sort of impossible or even absurd in those circumstances, just to make it as normal as possible.”
He emphasized the importance of this approach, especially during the challenging teenage years.
His advice echoes his own childhood experience of balancing the demands of being the son of a prime minister with the desire for a regular family life.
Starmer Family’s Efforts to Shield Children from Public Life Amidst Growing Scrutiny
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria have worked hard to shield their two teenage children from the constant media attention that comes with their father’s position.
By keeping them out of public photos and rarely mentioning their names, the Starmer family has tried to protect their children from the pressures of public life.
However, the stress of maintaining a balance between family and politics reached a peak during the recent election when the Prime Minister arranged for a luxurious penthouse for his son to study for his GCSEs in peace.
This £18 million property in Covent Garden, reportedly owned by Labour’s Lord Alli, allowed for a private study environment during the election campaign.
Euan Blair’s Career Journey and Success with Multiverse
Euan Blair, who grew up in the public eye, has carved out his own path in the business world.
After completing his education, Euan first worked in investment banking before turning his attention to entrepreneurship.
In 2016, he co-founded the apprenticeship company Multiverse (formerly White Hat), which connects young people with career opportunities at top companies like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft.
Today, Multiverse is one of the fastest-growing tech companies, with an estimated valuation of £1.4 billion in 2022, making Euan’s 25% stake worth a substantial £350 million.
Euan’s business success has been built on his belief in alternative routes to employment, focusing on practical skills over traditional university degrees.
Euan Blair’s Early Years and Controversial Arrest
Despite his successful career, Euan Blair’s early years were marked by controversy.
In 2000, at the age of 16, he was arrested for public drunkenness after being found vomiting on the streets of London.
He was initially taken to a police station, where he gave false information to officers before being released without charge the following morning.
This incident, widely covered in the media, led Tony Blair to publicly comment that being a father was sometimes harder than being a prime minister.
Despite the embarrassing moment, Euan went on to pursue a successful career in business, making a name for himself in the tech industry.
The Blair Family’s Paths: Nicky, Kathryn, and Leo’s Careers
Euan’s siblings have also found success in different fields.
His brother Nicky Blair, 39, became a successful football agent after co-founding Magnitude Brazil Sports.
Nicky’s most notable deal was securing a 10% commission on the £6.7 million transfer of Mexican footballer Hector Herrera.
His sister Kathryn, 37, has followed in her parents’ footsteps into law, becoming a family law barrister after graduating from King’s College London.
The youngest of the Blair children, Leo, 24, has shown an interest in politics and music, recently being spotted at high-profile events with his parents.
Leo is also a member of the Labour Party, following in his father’s political footsteps.
Euan Blair’s Views on Education and the Traditional System
Despite his privileged upbringing and education, Euan Blair has been vocal about his belief that traditional higher education didn’t provide him with much value.
He has criticized the education system for its reliance on academics, which he believes can perpetuate biases.
Euan has called for more focus on practical skills and the development of a more inclusive, accessible education system that offers alternative routes to employment, such as apprenticeships, which his company Multiverse advocates.
Life in London and Euan’s Family Life
Euan Blair now lives in a five-storey townhouse in London with his wife, venture capitalist Suzanne Ashman, and their two children. In 2022, they purchased the townhouse for £22 million.
Euan’s life is a far cry from his chaotic teenage years, and he now balances his professional responsibilities with family life.
His work with Multiverse has made a significant impact on the tech and apprenticeship sectors, helping to change the landscape of how young people enter the workforce.
Tony Blair’s Legacy and the Growth of His Children’s Careers
Tony Blair’s children have all pursued unique careers, each taking different paths that reflect their individual talents and interests.
From Euan’s success in the tech industry to Nicky’s football ventures and Kathryn’s career in law, the Blair children have built successful lives of their own, continuing the family legacy in their own ways.
Each child has navigated their path under the shadow of their father’s political career, yet they have forged identities that are independent of their family’s famous name.
Euan Blair’s Role as a Family Business Leader and Advocate for Social Mobility
As the CEO of Multiverse, Euan Blair is focused on creating opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and vocational training.
His company’s mission aligns with his belief in social mobility and providing access to career opportunities that don’t necessarily require a university degree.
Multiverse continues to grow, with plans to expand beyond apprenticeships and into broader skill development for workers in areas like coding and technology.
The Blair Family’s Support for One Another and Their Private Lives
Despite the public scrutiny that comes with being the child of a prime minister, the Blair family has largely maintained their private lives away from the media.
Euan’s advice to Keir Starmer’s children reflects his own experiences of growing up in the spotlight and his efforts to maintain a sense of normalcy.
The Blair family, while living under public scrutiny, has found ways to support each other and pursue successful careers on their own terms.