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.

[pollycazalet]

Brilliant web chat. I bet he's doing his own typing

[SauceForTheGander]

Alistair re. Gok Wan - that's not hard.

He just puts everyone in Spanx and a push up bra and calls it styling.

You have been great Alistair - are MNHQ trying to wheel you out the building but you're having too much fun?

Stay! There's a lovely section on mumnset called AIBU - I think you'd like it.

[JustineMumsnet]

@pollycazalet

Brilliant web chat. I bet he's doing his own typing

Yes he did - being an ex-journo definitely helps on that front.

[HatticusFinch]

Fair enough Alistair, but I do wonder who the Government deem hardworking enough? Exactly how hard do you have to work for them to decide you are worthy?

Totally agree regarding the alcohol strategy. What do you think is the single most important thing that could be done to in relation to this problem?

[mignonette]

That was cool.

[icebees]

Brilliant we chat, thanks to Alastair and to all contributors. Best rainy Monday afternoon for a long time!

[youretoastmildred]

Well he's value for money! I think MNHQ need to perform a properly quantitative and qualitative review on which web-chatters really deliver, because the ones who "answer" 6 questions in an hour and they were the most anodyne of the ones posted in advance at the top of the thread might as well send a press release. If you can't type in real time, don't bother coming (we all do!)

[mehereandnow]

Cool. That was fun - first time on here for me. Love the user names.
Thanks Alistair Campbell.

[Merguez]

Thanks for answering my question, I have signed the petition. Have to admit to occasionally reading the free copy of DM on a plane just to remind myself why I hate them so much, but would never, ever, give them my money.

[pollycazalet]

Yes Mildred - the "six questions and can I shoehorn a mention of the product I am flogging in every single one" webchats are just embarrassing.

[JaquelineHyde]

Just read through, can't believe I missed it. I really like AC, and have huge respect for all the campaigning he now does.

The new book has gone on the Christmas list just after Mo Farah's new book.

[HatticusFinch]

Gah, too slow with the follow up!

Great chat MNHQ, great to see a wide range of question being answered.

[youretoastmildred]

I can remember doing typing tests at temp agencies and practising for them to get my wage up. Something similar could be brought in at MNHQ. We were also incentivised by a doggy-bag buffet lunch. Justine, do you think you could look into this when planning future web chats? ;)

[TheGreatMumungo]

Hi Alistair,

Hope you're well!

If it were you deciding, what would your strategy be to help mums on a budget juggling the family finances?

Thanks

[sadeyedladyofthelowlandsea]

That was brilliant! And so much better than Gok.

[noddyholder]

Pass the smelling salts

[JustBecauseICan]

I'd do him

[PetiteRaleuse]

Excellent chat, thanks MNHQ :)

[OddSockMonster]

Wow, really enjoyed reading that, very impressed. Will watch C4 tonight too I think.

[Lizzabadger]

Great webchat.

[MissBeehiving]

God, I love sexy intelligent blokes

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

What a refreshing read - how nice to read such straight talking and honesty.

[domesticslattern]

Very good webchat, even if he never got around to my question. Thanks for organising MNHQ
It wasn't my DH at Leicester Sq station, so come on, whose was it???

[SunshineSuperNova]

Thank you Alastair, I was delighted (and surprised) that you answered my question. :)