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.

[themottledcat]

I saw you at the Cheltenham Literary Festival with Anne Robinson on Fri eve, which was very entertaining and you didn't disappoint.....:)

When I got home I really wished I had been brave enough to ask a question but was too scared, so here goes......any likelihood of you putting yourself up to be an MP? Would you be interested in doing that?I think you would be fab

[themottledcat]

Sorry, didn't realise this is about your novel...shouldn't have asked inappropriate question, but will be reading the book.

[OddSockMonster]

PelvicFloorClenchReminder brilliant question. A friend's little DD sings that, it's great!

[mignonette]

What objective research did you do for your book outside of your own experiences, that is.

Bearing in mind the appalling level of service provision for people w/ alcohol issues in the UK(that sadly predates the current acting, non elected Government, do you think the extension of opening hours for establishments selling alcohol was a mistake? Do you think that the British psyche is basically unsuited to 'Continental style' drinking?

Cut me in half and you'd find Labour stamped through like a stick of rock but services for alcoholics are scanty and poorly resourced. Disappointed w/ Labour's actions re alcohol.

[drawsofdrawers]

Hi Alastair. Looking forward to reading the new book!

1. What issues do you think local labour activists should be talking about on the doorstep in the run up to the local and national elections?

1. Any advice for an aspiring senior pr/strategist? (My sister does this at a junior level and thinks you are fab)

1. You're not married. What surname do your kids have and how did you decide which one to go for?

[pickofthepops]

Hi Alastair

Can you share a confidence tip for those of us who have lost out 'mojo'? Genuine question as I like your self assuredness. Tks

[BumgrapesofWrath]

Hello Alastair

Can I say that I thoroughly enjoyed your run-in with Adam Boulton after the election? It really does make me smile...

My question is:-
Having read the synopsis of your book, I am concerned that it may be a bit downbeat and a little bit too "close to home" (my father has alcohol issues.) Can you tell me why I should read it?

(I really want to ask about whether you find the comparison to Malcolm Tucker flattering, but I'm sure you get asked that all the time!)

[Butwilliseeyouagain]

Do you feel you were being a little transparent when you said you watched In the Loop and it was rubbish?

[MrJudgeyPants]

With ever more politicians following the private school, Oxbridge PPE, career politician route, is politics in danger of losing relevance with the electorate?

[LadyStark]

Given the work you do for alcohol concern as well as more general awareness raising on issues relating to alcohol, why do you work for a lobbying firm that represents alcohol companies? It really seems at odds.

[LonelyGoatherd]

Who would win in a fight, you or Tucker?

Look forward to reading the book

[PervCat]

TALKING FIGHTS
lets settle the old Popbitch one - who would win - badger or baboon?

and why

[pickofthepops]

Alastair, what did you think of Borgen, if you watched it that is.,?

[tripethelightfantastic]

Hullo Alastair,

Did you have much say in the design of your book jacket? I only ask because I was quite surprised by it, as it reminds me of a Jodi Picoult cover, which seems quite unlike you. But of course I could be completely misunderstanding your writing

Thanks for coming to Mumsnet!

[NotEnoughTime]

Hi Alastair

Welcome to Mumsnet!

In your personal experience do you think your depression caused the alcoholism or the other way around?

Do you live in fear that one will trigger the other?

Thank you.

Good luck with your book. I have just ordered it-it looks very good creep

[CogitoErgoMum]

Hello Alastair

Are there any qualities/virtues that you wish you saw more of in the influential circles in which you move? And do you think the lack of these qualities is attributable to poor parenting, or is it just tough to be 'good' at the top?

Good luck with the book and thank you for giving us time.

[NeverKnowinglyUnderstood]

so looking forward to this

[JustineMumsnet]

Alistair Campbell is in the building and be will get going soon.

[NeverKnowinglyUnderstood]

eeek

[AlastairCampbell]

Hello, I am at Mumsnet Towers. Loads of good questions already. More welcome. Will get through as many as possible. Btw just got stopped by someone at Leicester Sq tube who said 'please send a coded message to my wife saying she is on there too long and too often.' Hello

[AlastairCampbell]

@NotEnoughTime

Hi Alastair

Welcome to Mumsnet!

In your personal experience do you think your depression caused the alcoholism or the other way around?

Do you live in fear that one will trigger the other?

Thank you.

Good luck with your book. I have just ordered it-it looks very good creep

Alcohol is a depressive, so it gives a lift and then a fall. I thought I had dealt with my depression in 1986 when I stopped drinking but alas not. So I have concluded my depression just is, and my various addictions are a way of dealing with that. Thanks re the book. I really hope it makes a difference in getting a debate going about alcohol. we are living in denial. Ps watch C4 9pm tonight

[sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea]

I have a very good feeling about this.

[AlastairCampbell]

@LonelyGoatherd

Who would win in a fight, you or Tucker?

Look forward to reading the book

Me

[pickofthepops]

No party has taxed mumsnet at least, yet! Good clean free fun here, Alastair. Well not necessarily clean

[AlastairCampbell]

[quote JustBecauseICan]I am going to ask the question I asked Ed Miliband. He didn't answer me....(even though am a card carrier )

There are loads and loads of wonderful, local, grassroots activists still in the Labour movement. My home town, ex mining town in Notts, has a tradition of entire generations of dyed in the wool Labour families sitting on the town council and Doing Good Stuff. Why aren't these people encouraged by the Labour executives to go into national politics.. (where they might come across as far more genuine and therefore votable-for than the booted and suited career politicians that we've had since, well, since Neil Kinnock left the house really)......is it because it's feared they wouldn't be spinny enough and seem a bit straw in their ears compared to the Etonians on the other side of the fence? What do the suits in London really think about the provinces?

PS I really enjoyed your diaries.