Sir Mick Jagger has backed out of an event hosted by David Cameron after stating he has been used as a "political football".
The Rolling Stones frontman had been invited to the Davos tea party in Switzerland to join other celebrities and politicians reported Sky News.
The annual event is an elite gathering of government and business leaders to forward political and ecomomical matters.
A statement issued by Sir Mick's camp said: "During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating.
"I have always been interested in economics and world events. I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate. I think it's best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit."
The musicians withdrawal from the World Economic Forum is embarrassing for the Government.
A senior government source has denied that Sir Mick's involvement in the tea party had been in any way 'politicised'.
"Clearly we are disappointed that Sir Mick doesn't feel he can support a non-political event that promotes Britain," the source said.
"At no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative. He understandably wishes to remain apolitical. This is not a political event. This is simply an event that promotes British creativity abroad."
