Cameron’s ‘growth plan’ passage tells me he just couldn’t be arsed yesterday

I fear I may have been overly kind to the Prime Minister when I described his speech as 'very average' on twitter yesterday. This was certainly on the kinder end of the comment spectrum. It would seem... Continue

6 October 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

If catflap is best Tories can do, no wonder FT Europe imposes blackout

Greetings from Vienna airport where I am waiting for a plane, worrying about the unseasonal heat, getting irritated by a couple who are kissing their dog like it is a baby, and trying to find a single... Continue

5 October 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Can someone tell me what this Tory conference is all about?

For various reasons I have seen no news coverage and read no newspaper reports of the Tory conference since Sunday morning. This has not been a deliberate snub to one of the two ruling parties, just t... Continue

4 October 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

On the Tories’ lack of a clear message, and the unlikelihood of me playing bagpipes with Bob Dylan

I have never felt I have that much in common with David Cameron, but today we share a modest traducement by The Sunday Times. The Prime Minister's comes in the form of a headline saying 'Cameron says... Continue

2 October 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Today’s FT shows more progress in schools under Labour – who need to fight back harder against Tory rubbishing of record

With thanks to Labour's media monitoring department, and to the Financial Times, here is the first's account of the second's report today on school standards. ‘Poorer pupils seen to be catching up ... Continue

1 October 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Robert Enke’s story is more important than Rio Ferdindand’s

While the press revels in the judgement that allows them to carry on with kiss and tell stories about footballers (provided they are England captain it would seem) I would like to focus not on Rio Fer... Continue

30 September 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

If the press are wrong about Ed, it won’t be the first time they’ve called the instant judgement badly

An interesting little passage in Polly Toynbee's column in The Guardian this morning, as she described the post-Ed speech process in the press room at Liverpool. "'Lurching to the left' and 'Red Ed' ... Continue

28 September 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Miliband has joined battle with Cameron on ground he feels sure of in himself

Ed Miliband said he was going to be his own man, and follow his own instincts and his own values, which is surely the right approach for a leader. He was at his best today when he was passionate about... Continue

27 September 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Time for the 2 Eds to seize the agenda on growth in the economy

At least the economy is centre stage as Labour's conference begins. It has to be. And finally, after a year of the main parties arguing over the size and scale of the deficit, and the speed with whic... Continue

26 September 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.