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]

@mignonette

Thank you Alistair. Thought you'd be more savvy than Nick Clegg in choosing not to answer questions like my kilt one and I was right .

i just did

[AlastairCampbell]

@pickofthepops

Yes thanks Alastair. I'm going to buy your book instead of the new bridget jones .do you like Noel though?

i like the fact he has painted his house in his football club colours

[pickofthepops]

One word .. Phwoargh

[AlastairCampbell]

@pickofthepops

Yes thanks Alastair. I'm going to buy your book instead of the new bridget jones .do you like Noel though?

i like the fact he has painted his house in his football club colours

[makemineatripple]

Thanks for replying Alistair. Very interesting answers.

[AlastairCampbell]

@pollycazalet

Thanks for answering my question. I'll be cheeky and ask another. Do you think the current government has a point with its view of civil servants? Or not?

no, and I said so to Francis Maude at Tory conference. There are good and bad, but this government tends to run down everyone and everything

[AlastairCampbell]

@pickofthepops

Seriously I have no idea who to vote for. I'm cursed whichever lifestyle decisions I take I'm scuppered by the government of the time.

vote Labour

[AlastairCampbell]

@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?

totally support the NMP3 campaign. My daughter converted me

[mignonette]

Alistair that was a non committal answer . I'm not about to go looking up your kilt. I'm a laydee. .

[SauceForTheGander]

Significantly better than bloody Gok Wan.

[mehereandnow]

Nice one, sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea (pics). Think Andy Burnham is rather dishy, actually, if that's not too old fashioned a word!

[youretoastmildred]

This is a much more direct web chat than I was expecting. I think you are much nicer and funnier than Gok Wan

[pollycazalet]

Thank you! ( I am one).

[TEErickOrTEEreat]

Really interesting chat. Thanks Alastair.

[pickofthepops]

Really brightened my day , thanks Alastair

[semirurallife]

hi,; your session on newsnight having a go at Dacre's stooge was my best telly for ages.
More seriously, why won't the current Labour folks have more of a go at the government, which as you say, runs down everyone and everything? the attacks they have made on benefit claimants are a disgrace, and yet there is a silence from those who should be shaming them for being so vile - and so wrong. when will Labour get more strident again, or do we have to be scared of big business?

[youretoastmildred]

ha ha cross posted with Sauce for the Gander! I suppose you can't be surprised that Campbell knows his audience - having let us into his "fail to prepare and prepare to fail" secret - but poor old Gok could have done with a better briefing. Doll.

[MrJudgeyPants]

Thanks for your straight answer - good luck with your book.

Mr JP.

[ArtisanLentilWeaver]

I have really enjoyed this webchat. Fast, furious and honest.
Thank you.

[AlastairCampbell]

@youretoastmildred

ha ha cross posted with Sauce for the Gander! I suppose you can't be surprised that Campbell knows his audience - having let us into his "fail to prepare and prepare to fail" secret - but poor old Gok could have done with a better briefing. Doll.

another good quote for you ... believe you can and you're halfway there. Truman

[AlastairCampbell]

@semirurallife

hi,; your session on newsnight having a go at Dacre's stooge was my best telly for ages.
More seriously, why won't the current Labour folks have more of a go at the government, which as you say, runs down everyone and everything? the attacks they have made on benefit claimants are a disgrace, and yet there is a silence from those who should be shaming them for being so vile - and so wrong. when will Labour get more strident again, or do we have to be scared of big business?

i agree. People say they don't like negative campaigning, but they do like to see a bit of a fight over things that matter

[AlastairCampbell]

@youretoastmildred

This is a much more direct web chat than I was expecting. I think you are much nicer and funnier than Gok Wan

I am also far better at sorting out how women look! Honest

[Pagwatch]

Not a question but can I just thank you for keeping depression/ mental health in the spotlight. Having family members affected by depression and seeing their shame, I am deeply grateful to any one in the public eye who talks about it.

[pickofthepops]

So we will see you back for a spring summer 2014 make up tips / wardrobe overhaul q&a sesh Alastair? Featuring kilts and what to not wear under them

[AlastairCampbell]

That whizzed by. A few technical issues here but think we did ok getting through the questions. Thanks for the promises to buy the book - I look forward to strange names popping up on Amazon Review. Apologies for not being able to do Mumsnet Blogfest but they should have known not to coincide with a Burnley homegame. All the best to all of you and to Mumsnet. Tata.
ps watch Channel 4 9pm tonight if you need any more convincing about the damage booze is doing to Britain