Campbell Steps Aside
Alistair Campbell has stepped down as Blair's communications honcho as this Guardian article details. Not ultimately highly detrimental to Tony Blair but, nevertheless, he will doubtless miss Campbell's services.
Odd timing for a resignation, isn't it? Might it not have been better, at least on a P.R. level, to wait until the Hutton inquiry had ended (Campbell's statement does say he found it inappropriate to resign on a day Hutton's inquiry is sitting--it's not today--and that he is available going forward to cooperate with the Hutton inquiry)? On the other hand, various carping would have doubtless occurred whenever he resigned.
Blair issued this statement:
"The picture of Alastair Campbell painted by parts of the media has always been a caricature. The Alastair Campbell I know is an immensely able, fearless, loyal servant of the cause he believes in, who was dedicated not only to that cause but to his country. He is a strong character who can make enemies but those who know him best, like him best."
Posted by Gregory Djerejian at August 29, 2003 02:40 PM