Alastair Campbell was at the forefront of the re-branding of Labour to New Labour, and this controversial character has arguably given way to such a connotation of "spin doctors". So here's a quick overviewing profile of the man who orchestrated the Blair landslide victory in 1997.
Born: 25th May 1957 (age 56), in Keighley, Yorkshire
Education: Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University
Occupation: Author, journalists, broadcaster
In office: Downing St. Press Secretary (May 97 - July 2000)
Director of Communications and Strategy (July 2000 - August 2003)
Campbell first wrote journalistically for what was evidently a porn magazine, and that's just the start. After several unpleasing years at Cambridge University, Campbell was in and out of jobs until he finally applied for a journalistic work scheme with the Daily Mirror. With years under his belt at the Mirror, he worked through the 80s in London on Fleet Street, writing in support for the political party he was soon to be a part of, Labour.
Though the life of Alastair Campbell was to change forever in 1986 where he fell into great depression and alcoholism while covering Neil Kinnock (Lab leader of the time) and his visit to Glasgow. Campbell was detained by police in the interest of his own personal safety as many had seen him acting out of character and odd.
Following his recovery a year later and the birth of his first son, Campbell returned to night shifts at the Mirror until he climbed the ladder to Political Editor. At this time he was becoming increasingly close to Kinnock and his family, and his passion for left-wing politics was evolving.
After leaving the Mirror in 93', Campbell moved over to Today, the radio 4 programme which you all MUST listen to. He then helped in appointing the next Labour leader in Blair.
With Blair winning the leadership in 1994, Campbell began working with the party immediately. His alcoholism and depression did not worry Blair. Campbell played a vital role in the landslide victory for New Labour in the 1997 general election. He was Blair's Press Secretary for three years until 2000, where he became the infamous "Director of Communications and Strategy". The position meant Campbell had the opportunity to work on strategy and the role of Govt. comms. and itt was this time in Alastair's career which proved to be the most controversial.
The mannerisms of Campbell were passionate, somewhat aggressive and fiery. Many deceptions of the Alastair Campbell brand have been played through TV dramas in Malcolm Tucker from the Thick of It (MUST WATCH) and the comedy programme Bremner, Bird and Fortune.
The controversy of Campbell's career in Westminster and the Labour Party peaked during the Iraq war over allegations that Iraq possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction. Many a critic believe Campbell "sexed" up what was known as the September Dossier to engage in the prospect of war in the Middle East. In the Loop, is a comical film created by those behind The Thick of It playing out the possibility of going to war in the Middle East due to a dodgy dossier (it's so funny, worth a watch).
Campbell resigned from his position in 2003, following the death of Dr. Kelly which again surrounded Alastair Campbell in very dodgy circumstances.
Now Campbell, continues to write as an author publishing books such as In the Mind (v.good). Campbell spends most of his time supporting and raising awareness to a number of charities who support alcoholism especially. You will see him pop up on TV now and then to rant at the current coalition government, but a part from selective interviews and appearances Campbell is seen mainly to be involved in his charity work and Burnley Football Club. However, if I am not wrong I still believe he is involved within Labour and is often heard to be advising leader Ed Miliband.
So there you have it, a rather quick and brief overview of the career of arguably the most controversial individual to ever be involved in Political Comms. Campbell is such an interesting character, who personally fascinates me.
If you wish to know any more about Campbell and his time in Govt. there is literally hundreds of books observing his time with Labour and Tony Blair. I will personally recommended a biography on him by Peter Oborne, and Simon Walters. I had to do a book review last year in Uni, and this book gave me a hell of a lot to talk about. I'll link some other material below which you can read on Campbell's career, all v.interesting!
If you want to pursue a career in Political Communications, then this man is a legend... so take note.
TM
AC books:
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