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]

@LordElpuz

Do you regret autographing a copy of the Hutton report into the death of Dr David Kelly and auctioning it? Do you and Cherie Blair still think it was a hoot?

I can see why people thought it insensitive, but the Labour Party does have to raise funds and someone had specifically stated they would make a large donation for it. I would also point out that despite the continuing reporting to the contrary, the report cleared me of all allegations against me

[Rowlers]

Another question seeing as you've been on HIGNFY a few times:
Ian Hislop - an astute, intelligent, witty and agreable man or irritating, sanctimonious, know-it-all pillock?

[AlastairCampbell]

@BIWI

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?

I rather surprised myself with that. I was encouraged by Anne Robinson and Celia Walden who had read my previous novels and liked the women characters. I did find myself at times thinking differently to how I might normally. As to the specific reason why I focused on a young woman alcoholic, it is because there has been a significant shift in the numbers of women drinking to dangerous excess.

[AlastairCampbell]

@pickofthepops

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

Yes. I don't think she was alone. I can remember when the England squad came to Downing Street and the usual 'no photos by staff' rule just broke down

[AlastairCampbell]

@Rowlers

Another question seeing as you've been on HIGNFY a few times:
Ian Hislop - an astute, intelligent, witty and agreable man or irritating, sanctimonious, know-it-all pillock?

delete 'agreeable.' everything else stands

[mignonette]

Alongside Wally Lamb I do think you have an ability to capture the Female perspective.

[pickofthepops]

Thanks for answering. Would love if you'd answer this one too.. Noel Gallagher - funny and relevant or not?

[AlastairCampbell]

@BOF

Did you enjoy your teaching experience?

do you mean the real one (in France 35 years ago, as an assistant d'anglais)? Or the Jamie's Dream School experience on TV. I enjoyed both, for different reasons. The Dream School experience made me respect teachers even more than I do, which is a lot. And it also strengthened my view that if kids are given real support and opportunity, they will take it

[mehereandnow]

If it wasn't, pickofthepops, I bet it is now!

[pickofthepops]

Hmm Tone seems to have upped his game a bit lately, maybe sees Becks as a threat. Perhaps he will go for an ad campaign and we will see close ups of his y fronts on buses too.

[AlastairCampbell]

@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 :)

the honest answer is that I hit rock bottom, I was arrested for my own safety and then hospitalised and I realised in myself that if I did not face up to my drinking, I was going to lose everything that mattered to me. Once I had made that decision, I cannot say it was easy, but at least it was the first big step. The novel is about the descent into alcoholism, and everyone wants to help and thinks they can, but it is ultimately down to the decision of the person who is the problem drinker.

[AlastairCampbell]

@PervCat

i have a question

Alistair - what do you NOT care about? what do you think "meh - don't give a toss".. There must be something

who wins X Factor. what happens in Downton Abbey. Who is on Strictly.

[AlastairCampbell]

@noddyholder

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

two things. 1. my daughter, and 2, I like Britney. I almost bumped into her earlier today when she was in at the London radio studios in Trafalgar Square. But they say you should never meet your heroes (that is kind of a joke)

[mehereandnow]

Do you think Diane Abbott would make a good Mayor of London?

[AlastairCampbell]

@Meglet

Hi Alistair.

Are you still running regularly? I will be reading this web chat while eating biscuits after my feeble 30 min run.

And thank you for speaking out about mental health issues .

Not at the moment, because I had dysentery a few weeks ago and am still not hundred percent. But I run or cycle most days when fit. I have to say my love of the bike has overtaken the love of running

[AlastairCampbell]

@HatticusFinch

Hi Alastair,

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

no. I think it conveys a sense of who the politicians have in mind, and that is not a bad thing. The phrase that I can't stand at the moment is 'top priority' because DC seems to have a different one every time he speaks. It was dealing with booze at one point, and his alcohol strategy was actually quite good, but he has dropped it under pressure from the industry and colleagues

[mehereandnow]

Lol. Well Tone certainly has a lot of front!

[AlastairCampbell]

@OddSockMonster

If you were to jack in politics and writing and all that and take up a trade (e.g. plumbing, roofing, etc.) what would it be?

I am totally impractical so none of those. I could just about be a chauffeur, but would have to call out the RAC in the event of a puncture, or the car not starting

[AlastairCampbell]

@mehereandnow

Do you think Diane Abbott would make a good Mayor of London?

No.

[BoffinMum]

What do you think of the German political system? Have we anything to learn from them?

[AlastairCampbell]

@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

Benjamin Franklin ... fail to prepare and you are preparing to fail... IN other words, think things through in advance. Ask yourself the hard questions before anyone else has even thought of them

[icebees]

If Scotland votes 'yes' in 2014, does the balance of power in England stay forever with the Tories?

[AlastairCampbell]

@Rowlers

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 think David has been a terrific politician but is now in the States doing a very different job and will do it brilliantly. I hope the shadow cabinet reshuffle leads to an energizing of the party in Parliament and in the country. It is hard because our media focuses ever more on leaders but politics is a team game and the whole shadow cabinet and PLP needs to be more active and visible

[mehereandnow]

Gasp! This is Mumsnet. You can't diss Strictly! What happened to the woman's perspective in you, Alistair?

[SauceForTheGander]

Though I can't stand the Mail - I was sort of disappointed that it caused such a furore recently re. Ed Miliband's dad. It was disgusting obviously- but The Sun has had an almost naked woman posing submissively for 40 years and there's been precious little said by politicians about it and personally I think The Sun is just as bad as The Mail. I think The Sun's idea that page 3 is a bit of harmless fun is one of the biggest cons out there.

I've seen you in your NMP3 t shirt

Will The Sun give up Page 3? Can you ask Tony to have a word with Rupert about it?