As turmoil engulfs the Conservative party, one former big beast looks particularly pleased to be out of the fray.

A picture of David Cameron smiling smugly while dressed up at a fancy dress party as a Bond villain appeared on social media last night.

Though it was swiftly deleted, the photo was posted by the former Prime Minister's sister-in-law Lohralee Astor, 38, to her 1200 followers on Instagram.

Lohralee Astor, David cameron's sister-in-law posted picture of former prime minister in fancy dress but quickly deleted the upload

Wearing a white jacket, black eye patch with a cigar in hand and a toy cat under his arm, Cameron was dressed up as the notorious Bond Villain Emilio Largo (left). And on the right another Bond villain from the same era in Ernst Stavro Blofeld

Wearing a white jacket, black eye patch, black gloves, a cigar in hand and a toy cat under his arm, Cameron was dressed up as the notorious Bond Villain Emilio Largo from the film Thunderball.

The caption read: 'Didn't know Emilio Largo could look so good! Handsome brother in laws #jamesbond #villain'

Underneath the photo, ex-model and health blogger Zoe Cole wrote: 'DC looks so much healthier and happier out of the job! Good for him.'

Former model Mrs Astor married Will Astor – the son of the fourth Viscount Astor – in 2009 at the same Oxfordshire church where the former prime minister wed.

Will Astor, who is Samantha Cameron's half-brother after their mother, was accused earlier this year of being involved in a leasehold rip-off scandal.

The latest photo comes after Cameron caused a stir when wife Samantha marked their 21st wedding anniversary by posting a toe-curling picture of their feet on Instagram.

Posted at 8:30am, it showed the couple lying on their bed with bare feet side by side while enjoying a holiday in Andalusia, Spain.

Cameron caused a stir when wife Samantha marked their 21st wedding anniversary by posting a toe-curling picture of their feet on Instagram

Cameron seems to have been enjoying his time away from politics and he has kept a relatively low profile.

Cameron – who is the new President of dementia charity Alzheimer's Research UK- has been on a lucrative speaking tour in America since the end of last year..

He also recently forked out £25,000 on a so-called 'luxury hut' in his garden in the Cotswolds which he plans to use to pen his memoirs. #

Last month he was also filmed appearing to jump the queue in JD Sports while trying to buy a multi-pack of white socks.