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.

[AlastairCampbell]

@pickofthepops

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

Loved it. I met the PM and the spin doctor Kesper in Denmark last year and at the weekend was with Kesper at the Cheltenham festival. He has really caught the political bug

[LoveAndSqualor]

Hey Alastair, thanks for coming on

Wanted to ask you, as a poacher turned gamekeeper, what you thought of the proposed royal charter on press regulation? Boris Johnson called it a "monstrous folly" today - do you agree?

[AlastairCampbell]

@NeverKnowinglyUnderstood

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

I think people have to find their own way of campaigning on this, just as people have to find their own way of dealing with mental illness. Some people really do not want to go public with their issues, others actively want to and I think that will dictate what kind of campaigning you do. But I am sure the Time to Change campaign is having an impact. Look at how quickly we managed to persuade Asda and Tesco to drop those offensive Halloween suits.

[TerrorTremor]

Hi Alastair,

What current labour MPs are under the radar and we should be looking out for (I mean that have just started up, but you think will be important politically in the future?)

Thanks if you answer the question.

[PervCat]

swoon

[mehereandnow]

I don't think I've got the hang of this live webchat thing, or hasn't it started yet.

[AlastairCampbell]

@LoveAndSqualor

Hey Alastair, thanks for coming on

Wanted to ask you, as a poacher turned gamekeeper, what you thought of the proposed royal charter on press regulation? Boris Johnson called it a "monstrous folly" today - do you agree?

No, I don't. The press are telling a pack of lies about the proposals. All this talk about 'state regulation' and 'politicians deciding what you read.' They are lies. Leveson proposed an independent self regulator and that is what the charter would set up. The press is operating and reporting as a vested interest and Boris Johnson is part of that vested interest

[NeverKnowinglyUnderstood]

thanks Alistair
I was thinking more widely than my personal involvement.
Fortunately I have only had positive, kind responses. I do know others that have suffered so much from opinion as well as illness.

[AlastairCampbell]

@Herhonesty

Why aren't there more women in politics? Do you think your style (and that of the current generation) has served to put up further barriers to women entering and surviving the Westminster snake pit (spin,counter spin, spin over spin) ....

The only time there was a real increase in women in Parliament was in 1997 when we changed the system and the rules to make it happen. we need to do it again. I don't think the macho style thing helps, true, but another factor perhaps is that the only woman PM we ever had did not feel she had responsibility to increase women's representation. If anything she rather liked being in such a minority

[TerrorTremor]

Hang on just realised I am talking about the wrong topic.

I completely apologize.

Proper question: Can you tell us what gave you the strength and courage to conquer your addiction and what advice would you give to those who want to change who are addicted?

Again thanks for answering if you do :)

[AlastairCampbell]

@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.

Courage. I think too many people are influenced by their immediate environment rather than what they really believe. Not sure about the parenting point. It is certainly tough for people who get to the top in politics but that is why it is rightly quite a tough process to get there

[HatticusFinch]

Hi Alastair,

Does the constant use of the phrase "Hardworking People/Families" wind you up as much as it does me?

[mehereandnow]

Who wins in an argument at home, you or your wife?

[AlastairCampbell]

@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!

It was designed by a guy called Richard Ogle, but yes I do have input. I invented the girl, Hannah, and had a fair idea what she looked like, and so I was pleased with the look he took out of the words. The book is about Hannah but every chapter is written by a different person impacted by her drinking as it spirals out of control

[AlastairCampbell]

@PetiteRaleuse

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 :)

Maybe because I am one of a fairly small number of people who has seen the top of journalism and the top of politics from close up. And it is partly the journalist in me that hates what has happened to so much of our journalism, particularly the systematic strategic dishonesty of papers using their platforms to push their own political and commercial views, all the time claiming to be speaking for their readers. I don't imagine we shall see much coverage of the poll out today showing widespread support for the new plans for regulation.
I love speaking French

[AlastairCampbell]

@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!)

It certainly will be close to home, though perhaps the choice of a teenage girl as the heroine will provide a bit of distance. I just feel that all of us, drinkers and non drinkers, need to face up to the damage booze is doing to us as a country. I hope you do read it, and I hope that as well as bringing back bad memories, it might also help you understand better. It is totally non judgemental about Hannah. It just is

[PetiteRaleuse]

Thank you. What do you think when Dacre goes on about the Mail speaking for its readers? That can't be right can it?

[mehereandnow]

Which newspaper do you read regularly?

[AlastairCampbell]

@mehereandnow

Who wins in an argument at home, you or your wife?

We are not married (33 years and still going). I would say almost always her, but she would say on big life changing things, me. We are both quite strong and determined in argument

[AlastairCampbell]

@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.

i think they sometimes think the inverse - given we pay you to work for us, why do you campaign against the interests of our clients? The answer is that I work as an advisor to Portland on strategy, and directly advise some of their clients, but I am also free to pursue my own campaigns.

[AlastairCampbell]

@SunshineSuperNova

mignonette

Alastair
Do you have any regrets regarding your political career? Do you ever look back and think 'I could have handled that better / done it differently?'

I sometimes think - in fact I often think - I should stand for Parliament myself, but the last time I was full on in frontline politics, it was a pretty draining and damaging experience for me and my family, so though I am pleased I did it, I am not sure I would want to do it all over again. I also regret that my relations with parts of the media became as bad as they did, but I genuinely do think that was down to them changing, not me

[AlastairCampbell]

@Merguez

What can we do about the Daily Mail?

1. don't read it. 2. if you see someone reading it, offer them heroin or another poison substitute. 3. If it is handed to you on a plane or in a shop, tear it up and hand it back. 4. sign my change.org/Dacredebate challenge

[BOF]

Did you enjoy your teaching experience?

[pickofthepops]

Do you think Beckhams's alleged crush on Cherie was reciprocated?

[AlastairCampbell]

@mehereandnow

Which newspaper do you read regularly?

I still get the Labour Party media monitoring report which gives me a flavour of all the papers. We get the Guardian because Fiona has a column in it (today as it happens) and the FT because I like the foreign coverage