Tribute to a lovely man
My Latest Book
Alastair Campbell Diaries Volume 7
From Crash to Defeat
by
Alastair Campbell
Caught in the no man’s land between being a key figure in Downing Street and the relative anonymity of the world outside politics, Alastair Campbell finds himself being torn in several directions as this latest volume of diaries opens. Having succeeded Tony Blair as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown wants Campbell at his side. Campbell resists, flooding his reservoir of guilt as a general election looms and Brown’s indecision and fluctuating moods suggest the Labour administration is seriously threatened by the Tory ‘posh boy’, David Cameron.
Soon Campbell is earning not only praise but big money from motivational speaking and writing novels which darkly reflect the mood swings that continue to concern both him and his family. Serious journalism across platforms old and new puts him back in the public eye and together with live appearances and a love of sport – his enduring love affair with Burnley Football Club still smoulders – sees him board a celebrity merry-go-round that often leaves him far from his comfort zone.
With politics constantly tugging his sleeve, he eventually returns to the front line to marshal a party in disarray. The intensity of the months leading up to 6 May 2010 is as dramatic as any screenplay, with Campbell chronicling Brown’s struggle to win over a disillusioned nation and then his dignified departure from the main stage. For Campbell, another chapter closes. So what next?
I know that when people die others tend to say the nice things or nothing, but what has been interesting today is the warmth of people across the whole of the party. I saw you on Sky, post Tony Benn and pre Neil Kinnock. ALl three of you seemed genuinely warm about Mr Foot, and that has come through all the tributes I have heard. I love the story on your blog about the young boy Fiona took to interview Mr Foot about George Orwell. It is so easy for well known people to say No to that kind of thing. Keep up the good work for the Labour family
His journalism and his writing should certainly not be forgotton. He was something of a favourite for Beaverbrook but we forgive him !!
Dear AC
Very nice tribute. I can only echo Carole Marsh.
gary
GGGGg