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171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)

Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What r... Continue

In light of Robert Gates’ speech, Cameron should set European defence reform as major objective

By far the most significant UK political event yesterday was the speech by outgoing US Defence Secretary Robert Gates. His warning to European allies that they risked military irrelevance, and that t... Continue

11 June 2011

Politics is like sport – a team game and united teams do best

I've just had a very nice morning helping launch the University and College of Football Business at Turf Moor, home of Burnley Football Club. It has had rather less attention till today than the AC Gr... Continue

10 June 2011

The Archbishop is right to speak out, and right on the substance

Rowan Williams is right to speak out, and right on the substance. As I know from my time in government, Archbishops can provoke and anger from time to time, but why shouldn't they? They are people in ... Continue

9 June 2011

Cameron’s new NHS position leaves health professionals more confused than ever

There was a fascinating discussion on Newsnight of the latest twist in the tale of David Cameron and the NHS last night. On one side of Jeremy Paxman sat Nick Clegg's chief of staff, Norman Lamb, and... Continue

8 June 2011

Osborne will love today’s IMF headlines, but HATE the piece comparing him with GB

I claim no special insight into, or influence over, George Osborne. It was interesting however to note that within a day or two of my suggesting here that he needed to step up the communication of his... Continue

7 June 2011

Fight with Tom from The Wanted not quite as dramatic as it might seem

You can be fairly sure that if The Mail put me as a lead story online, it won't be because they want me to appear all warm and cuddly. As my daughter has just told me, a 54-year-old former spin docto... Continue

5 June 2011

Osborne needs to start explaining Plan A, or work on Plan B

There is something to be said for George Osborne's modus operandi - which is to set bold strokes, speak in public when he has to, but otherwise keep his head down. It is an approach, however, which s... Continue

4 June 2011

Lansley’s health and social care problems now as much about social care as health

It is somewhat unfortunate for Andrew Lansley that the legislation on which his reputation and legacy will depend is called the Health and Social Care Bill. Up till recently, it was the health part o... Continue

2 June 2011

Alastair Campbell 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 politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.