Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has dismissed as "beyond speculation" claims that he is being lined up as an advisor to US president-elect Donald Trump after he was spotted having lunch with the mogul's son-in-law.
Blair dined with the US president-elect's influential son-in-law Jared Kushner, married toTrump's daughter Ivanka, at a restaurant in New York. Both were spotted deep in conversation.
Blair's spokesman said on Wednesday: "Tony Blair has known Jared Kushner for several years. He was walking past their lunch table. He knew a number of people at the table and he was invited to join them," The Telegraph reported on Thursday.
The meeting has led to suggestions -- vigorously denied by Blair - that he could be offered some form of advisory role in Trump administration.
Blair remains keen to broker a peace deal in the Middle East and retains a staffed office in Tel Aviv.
"He has not discussed any role. This is completely overblown," his spokeman said.
Asked if Blair would take on a formal Middle East peace role if asked by Trump, the spokesman replied: "It is so far beyond speculation there isn't a word for it."
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