Alastair Campbell: podcast appearances and interviews

Alastair John Campbell, born on 25 May 1957, is a British journalist, author, strategist, broadcaster, and activist. He has held significant roles within the British political landscape, notably serving as Tony Blair's spokesman and campaign director during opposition years from 1994 to 1997. Following Labour's electoral victory in 1997, Campbell became Downing Street's Press Secretary and later the Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson, a role he held until 2000. During his tenure, he was involved in key communications strategies, including the rebranding of the Labour Party as New Labour, and played a prominent role in election campaigns, notably the 1997 and 2001 general elections. Campbell was known for his effective news management and was sometimes referred to as 'the real deputy Prime Minister.' He contributed to the preparations leading up to the Iraq War, notably the release of the September Dossier in 2002 and the Iraq Dossier in 2003, activities that drew controversy and ultimately led to his resignation. After his time in Downing Street, Campbell has worked as a freelance advisor to governments and political parties around the world, including Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania. He has been involved in campaigns such as the People's Vote for a final Brexit referendum and has held roles as editor-at-large of The New European and chief interviewer for GQ. Campbell is also a mental health advocate and published author, having released diaries chronicling his experiences in politics. In 2022, he launched the podcast The Rest Is Politics with Rory Stewart, which has become a leading political podcast in the UK.