Economic snapshot from Yorkshire; and the build up to Football Focus play-off v Alan Sugar
To Leeds last night for a very enjoyable dinner with some of Yorkshire's top business people, and publication by BDO of a report into the prospects for the county's economy (strapline STRONGER, LEANER... Continue20 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Theresa May’s police cuts are of more lasting significance than the Ken Clarke frenzy
Which was the event of more serious long-term consequence? Ken Clarke ballsing up his choice of words in a live interview? Or Theresa May getting a comprehensive thumbs down from the PoliceFederation?... Continue19 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Public want more variety and less monoprism than media gives them – a despatch from Fowey
To remind you of another Rule One of communications - never confuse media opinion with public opinion. And Rule 1a - always expect better, more interesting and more varied questions from the public. ... Continue18 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Strangeways documentary should strengthen not weaken Ken Clarke’s new approach on prisons
Reshuffle stories are a bit of a nightmare to deal with. The press write whatever they want, the broadcasters blather away about it, the ministers get a bit jumpy, the ones being tipped for promotion ... Continue17 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Great football managers don’t have to be great players – Alan Sugar and I are available
The last time I went out to Alan Sugar's offices in Essex was in 1997, to persuade him to come out publicly for Labour. On the way there, his PR guy Nick Hewer (later to become his sidekick on The App... Continue16 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Strauss-Kahn’s arrest re ‘sexual attack’ makes French elections even more complicated
Last month I posted a piece on the French presidential elections, predicting that they were about as tough to call as they come. I reflected on the fact that so many supporters of the Parti Socialiste... Continue15 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Nothing to add to my Iraq Inquiry evidence
As with previous inquiries, I decided on being called as a witness to the Chilcot Inquiry that I should say nothing beyond my own evidence. That was harder when earlier inquiries were going on, beca... Continue13 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
On both main planks of strategy, political and economic, coalition is misfiring
To return to one of my favourite themes ... David Cameron didn't win the election because he lacked strategic clarity. The public gave it to him - make a coalition work and sort out the economy. Th... Continue12 May 2011
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Botham’s Ashes film has some great lessons on leadership and team-work
Someone calling himself James Hacker asked me on twitter this morning if I was more obsessed about politics or sport. It's a close call. I'm certainly having a sporty week so far. Last night cricket. ... Continue11 May 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.