Tony Blair was named Philanthropist of the Year last night at a magazine awards ceremony in recognition of his “tireless charitable work”.
The decision to hand the title to the former prime minister and Middle East peace envoy promptly drew criticism from all corners.
The announcement at the GQ Men of the Year event was greeted with a muted response from the stars who attending at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
On social media however it was an altogether different story with comments expressing outright disbelief at the award.
Writing on his Twitter account, the football pundit Gary Lineker said: “People will be greatly concerned and wonder if this was the right decision.”
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Adding: “Apparently, Tony Blair has won GQ’s philanthropist of the year award. Finally these awards have grasped irony!”
John Mann, the Labour MP for Bassetlaw, told The Daily Mail: “It sends the wrong message. This sort of award should go to an unsung hero who has given up their time for charity.”
Bonny Greer, the author and critic, added: “Only the late great Lenny Bruce could read #TonyBlair citation with a straight face.”
Many pointed to the fact that Mr Blair, who earlier this year was forced to play down estimates of his wealth, had been offering advice to the autocratic President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, on how to defend a massacre after regime forces shot dead at least 14 striking oil workers.
On receiving his award, Mr Blair, 61, said: “I would like to dedicate this award to the people that work with and for my organisations.”
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In January Alastair Campbell, No 10 press secretary during Mr Blair’s tenure, became GQ’s “monthly contributor and chief inquisitor”, conducting interviews with among others Alex Salmond.
Among those watching the ceremony were Kim Kardashian - who is more usually the one to steal the show.
The socialite, 33, who is in the UK with her rapper husband Kanye West and their daughter North, was presented with the Woman of the Year prize.
Jamie Dornan, the 50 Shades of Grey star, Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch, the Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi and Colin Firth all won awards.
Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr picked up an award for his humanitarian work, while the actor Johnny Depp presented punk pioneer Iggy Pop with the Icon trophy.
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The model Cara Delevingne presented Pharrell Williams, the US uber-producer and Happy singer, with the Solo Artist gong.
Bob Geldof, father of the late Peaches Geldof, handed the Legend award to Van Morrison.
E.L. James, the 50 Shades Of Grey author, presented Northern Irish actor Dornan - who plays Christian Grey in the erotic film adaptation of her work - with a Breakthrough award.
Cumberbatch was given the Actor award by fellow thespian Dan Stevens, while the Stay With Me singer Sam Smith presented the Inspiration award to New Order.
Jenna Coleman, who plays Clara, the Doctor’s companion, in Doctor Who, was reunited with the Time Lord when she awarded Capaldi the TV Personality gong.