Alastair Campbell: Live webchat Monday 14 October, 1.45 - 2.45pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Alastair Campbell will be joining us at MNTowers on MONDAY 14th OCTOBER between 1.45 and 2.45pm, where he'll be answering questions and telling us about his latest novel My Name Is...

Alastair 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 Labour politics, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, charitable fundraising, politics and campaigns.

My Name Is..., tells the story of a young girl's descent into alcoholism and the impact it has on those around her. The voices of Hannah's family, friends and professionals shed a sometimes shocking, sometimes tender light on a life veering terrifyingly off course.

Come and chat to Alastair TODAY at 1.45pm or post a question in advance on this thread.

Hi you absolutely have my dream job. But my question is unrelated ( I think!) What made you go to the Britney concert?

Hello Alistair.
I always enjoy listening to you and find myself nodding in agreement to almost everything you say.
I am a Labour supporter and always will be. However, I am worried about the abilities of the current Labour mob. I don't see any natural and convincing heavyweight intellectuals needed for strong and effective government.
Do you think David Milliband would have filled this gap and will he ever be persuaded to try again?

I have no question yet, just marking my place...

Soz Alastair not Alistair!
(By the way MN think it's descent and not decent.)

I have heaps of questions. But the main one is why do you think you are so well placed to criticise the press when, honestly, you spent part of your career trying to get them to say what you wanted? I'm sure you have a great answer to that.

Love your blog, your books and love watching you speak on TV and practically salivate at the idea of a Campbell vs Dacre debate.

Another one. Watched you on Le Grand Journal in France where you answered the questions in French. Was that scary? You did so well :)

Alastair. Do you despair of modern politicians generally? I just have no confidence in any of them.

When I watch tv shows about the 70s and 80s I am struck by the passion in them on all sides and think many people are becoming apathetic about politics. Do you think people are less involved than they should be and is there is a solution to this?

At the risk of gushing can I just say, as somebody who has mental health issues and alcoholism in their family, I really admire you for your openness and support on this. There are very few successful men who are so honest.

Hi Alastair

Did you watch The Thick of It, and if so, was it as popular with MPs as Yes, Minister was?

Hi Alastair

Just so you know, I would. Repeatedly.

Sorry, another question, do you feel McBride's remorse re his actions as a spindoctor is genuine?

Are you here to look for Dacre? I know you've looked everywhere else, and mumsnet is a good place to hide.

More seriously, what can be done about the lack of committment to truth and analysis in major parts of the press? Regulation isn't the answer to a newspaper that is prepared to call price control in a highly regulated market 'Marxist' at the same time as denouncing the Marxism of an honorable and loyal asylum seeker as pure evil treachery. How can an even moderately left-of-centre party withstand that without capitulating in the manner of Blair?

Were you taught piping as a child and do you still play the pipes?
Which is your favourite pipe tune and why?

Welcome to Mumsnet! I'm interested that you chose to use a female character for your book. Why did you do that, rather than a male? Did you find it hard to write from a female perspective?

Hi there,
I know you are here to talk about you book, but can I just ask a question about mental health?

I have recently started volunteering for the Time to Change group.
with all your experience of getting messages out there and heard what advice would you give groups like this about breaking down the stigma and discrimination related to mental health issues?

Thanks from a MN'er with PTSD and depression

What can we do about the Daily Mail?

flicks hair
You can spin me any time Alistair.

and anywhere.

oh fuckit

and anyhow

I had to stop myself tbh not quite sure but he does seem to light fires

oh, I would too.

Right
lets change this webchat to

WHEN

WHERE

and HOW

I can't imagine this happening with any of the Tories. Michael Gove anyone?

stop it right there - although i had a freaky dream he was in bed with me. at the back of a lecture theatre. Eric and Ernie style.
I have not slept since for fear of Part II