Tony Blair - Alastair Campbell: Tabloid tough nut

Published on Wednesday 1 September 2010 20:13

TONY Blair claimed he got "a genius" when he drafted in Alastair Campbell as his head of media, shortly after becoming Labour leader.

The start of one of the key relationships to shape British politics began with Mr Blair "pursuing" Mr Campbell to his holiday home in France to get the "tough nut" he wanted.

The shortlist for the job had included, among others The Scotsman's Peter MacMahon, but Mr Blair said in his memoir that he "wanted a tabloid journalist".

Mr Campbell was uncertain of taking the post, having just recovered from a nervous breakdown, but was eventually wooed. Of the appointment, Mr Blair states: "I'm not sure if it was great for him, but it was certainly great for me."

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott provides some comic relief in the memoirs.

Mr Blair describes how Prince Charles was surprised when on a visit Mr Prescott sat back in the chair, legs wide apart with a cup of tea balanced on his belly.

He also describes Mr Prescott's fury when he thought the Liberal Democrats would get seats in the Cabinet.