Alastair Campbell author page

Alastair Campbell biography

Alastair John Campbell (born 25 May 1957 in Keighley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England) is a British journalist, author, strategist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate. He is best known for his role as Director of Communications and Strategy for Prime Minister Tony Blair from 2000 to 2003, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the media strategy of the Labour government.

Campbell began his career in journalism, working for the Daily Mirror and later for Today newspaper. In 1994, he became Tony Blair’s press secretary, helping to rebrand the Labour Party as “New Labour” and contributing to its success in the 1997 general election.

After leaving Downing Street, Campbell transitioned into a career as a writer and broadcaster. He has authored several books, including The Blair Years (2007), a memoir based on his diaries from his time in government; All in the Mind (2008), a novel exploring themes of mental health; and But What Can I Do? (2023), a call to action for political engagement. In 2022, he co-founded the podcast The Rest Is Politics with former Conservative MP Rory Stewart, which has become one of the UK’s leading political podcasts.

Campbell is also known for his advocacy work in mental health. He has been open about his own struggles with depression and has worked with various charities to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. In recognition of his efforts, he was made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2017.