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The weird virus infecting Labour debate

My partner Fiona has a piece in The Guardian today pointing out not merely how much the last Labour government achieved in education, but also how absurd it is for someone like Zarah Sultana, a newly... Continue

At our best when at our most optimistic about the future – Ed Miliband’s speech has makings of a strategy

What with Twitter and superinjunctions (oh how the media love a story about the media) and the resurgence of Old Etonians in Who's Who, there is no room for Ed Miliband on the front page of The Guardi... Continue

21 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?... Continue

19 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. ... Continue

18 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 ... Continue

17 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... Continue

15 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... Continue

12 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. ... Continue

11 May 2011

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Public will tire very quickly of coalition emotionalism. They should learn from downside of TB-GBery

One of the most debilitating aspects of divisions in government is the emotional energy they absorb. Whilst I can and regularly do make the case that between them Tony Blair and Gordon Brown achieved... Continue

10 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.