A Brief Encounter with Alastair
Born in Yorkshire, 1957. He went to Cambridge University to study modern languages which include a year in France. Political and News editor with the Mirror and The Today newspaper becoming Tony Blair’s Press Secretary when Blair becomes leader of the Labour Party. After the 1997 election became Prime Minister’s Chief Press Secretary and Official Spokesman. Post the second Labour election victory, he became Director of Communications and Strategy. Resigning in September 2003 wanting more of a life with his partner Fiona and their three children.
Hobbies are running, bagpipes and supporting Burnley. Proud of getting over a nervous breakdown, his family, having a role in modernization of Labour and role player by media and political advice in NI peace process plus conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq. Also proud of his record of three election campaigns and three wins.
What irritates me:
- Excessive formality
- Blame game and panic under pressure
- Fright at new ideas. Loudness for sake of it
How to get the best out of me
- Working towards a clear plan
- Understand the difference between objective, strategy & tactics
- Encourage creativity, openness and humour
