The Prime Minister, who will leave Downing Street on Wednesday, has claimed his 18-year-old pair of shoes, made by St James' company Church's, brought him good luck in the cut-and-thrust of debates at Prime Minister's question time.

In an interview with a national newspaper, he said: "I know it's ridiculous, but I've worn them for every PMQs. I've actually had them for 18 years."

During his time in Parliament, Mr Blair has also acted as a champion for the Northampton-made shoes, encouraging other cabinet members to buy them and warned cheap shoes are a false economy.

Jennifer Mead, from Church's, who made Mr Blair's £310 brogues, said: "We know he has preached to various members of the cabinet about the quality of his shoes.

"He's told people like David Blunkett they should invest in a good pair, and we're delighted to know that he's pleased with the ones he got from us."

Future Prime Minister Gordon Brown is also believed to own a pair of shoes made by the Northampton-based firm.

Mrs Mead said: "With MPs and people who work in the city, there's always a chance they're going to buy a good pair of shoes.

"And lots of people have lucky trousers and things like that, so I don't see why Mr Blair shouldn't have a pair of lucky shoes.

"It's certainly fantastic to see the company being singled out by the Prime Minister."

Church's employs about 700 people, more than half of whom work in Northampton.

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