Cherie Blair has spoken out against young women who are happy to rely on a wealthy husband, as she believes they have a lack of ambition.

Speaking at the Most Powerful Women event in London, organised by Fortune magazine, the prominent QC said some females are too preoccupied with their partner's professional development, at the expense of their own.

As a result, they aren't motivated into working hard and end up marrying a rich man so they can retire and look after the children.

Mrs Blair, wife of former prime minister Tony Blair, argued this has undermined the efforts that women in previous years have put towards achieving gender equality, as there is no reason why women cannot enjoy a successful career and have a baby at the same time.

So-called yummy mummies were said to attach a lot of importance to being as good a mother as possible and devoting all their efforts to their child. However, she insisted this does not mean careers for women should be neglected completely.

"I also want to be the best possible mother, but I know that my job as a mother includes bringing my children up so actually they can live without me," Mrs Blair stated.

She warned that the attitude of these women could end up being particularly costly if something unfortunate should ever happen to their husband.

"Even good men could have an accident or die and you're left holding the baby," she commented.

Mrs Blair's comments have been controversial in some quarters, with many female columnists dismissing the suggestion stay-at-home mums are setting a bad example to their kids.

For instance, MSN shopping editor Rebecca Bryant argued it is the individual's decision as to whether they want to go out and work after becoming a parent, regardless of whether they are men or women.

She said these people should not be derided for taking up this option and pointed out that many mums can be consumed by guilt if they miss key moments in their child's life.