The prime minister's wife, Cherie Booth, is facing renewed criticism after it emerged that she is still holding business meetings with clients at Number 11 Downing Street.

In the latest issue of The Lawyer magazine, it is claimed that many meetings have been held at the Blair family's residence since the prime minister's wife, a leading human rights QC, moved to Matrix chambers.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said that meetings took place, but only in the Blairs' private residence and not in any state rooms.