Comments
Blair - dead big in Japan!
2009-10-26 17:21:17
David Miliband said yesterday that foreign governments, and opposition parties, found it odd in the extreme that Britain's Conservatives were actively campaigning against Tony Blair becoming the first 'President of Europe'.
However TB may be seen at home, where he divides opinion strongly, among the political classes in most countries he is seen as a winner, and as someone capable of managing and delivering change, and communicating the process of change well.
It has been noticeable, for example, how much the new Japanese government, formed by the Democratic Party of Japan, has been studying the Blair government as they make the transition from Opposition to a first term in power, committed to a major programme of reform.
As someone who worked closely with TB over some years, I have found myself in the unexpected position of being much in demand by the Japanese media, and print below an interview which has just appeared in the Nikkei [Nihon Keizai Shimbum], their Financial Times equivalent. The Mr Ozawa referred to is DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa, who I saw when he visited London recently to study our system of government, and in particular to examine how we went about managing change.
1. How important is the role of communications in modern politics?
The development of the media age means anyone constantly being defined in the public eye has to be strategic in their communications. Communications strategy cannot be devised wholly separately from policy development and implementation, but must be a consideration throughout.
2.The Blair government was popular but at the same time criticized as a populist regime with spin doctors. How do you view these criticisms?
With a mixture of annoyance, scepticism and indifference, and some recognition that we were too slow to see how the issue of spin was developing as a problem. That being said, the real spin doctors in Britain are the journalists, owners and editors with an agenda, reporters paid to follow that agenda, and a culture of negativity designed to paint politics in a bad light. We had a fair media wind in the early days but that quickly changed and I think it is to the government's great credit that despite the culture of media negativity we achieved a great deal and maintained sufficient popular support to win three successive general elections.
3. With the Labour party seen as losing its support how can the government revitalize itself?
By defending our record properly, by attacking our opponents better and by showing that on matters of substance and policy, we have better ideas than our opponents. This has the merit of truth. The Conservatives are trying to make the election about presentation not policy.
4. There seems to be fewer differences between Labour and the Conservative party than ever before. How do you see the future of the two party system in the UK?
There are enormous differences, not least in the different approaches to the economy, public services, welfare, the constitution. There are immense differences on Europe. It is true the scale of difference is perhaps less than when Europe's politics was defined by a battle to the death between capitalism and comminism, which ended with the collapse of the Berlin Wall. But there remain big differences.
5.In your meeting with Mr. Ozawa, you emphasized the importance of "speed" in implementing policies promised during the campaign. Why is this? How long does it take till the public loses interest in the new government?
The public will always be fairly interested in what the government is doing. The point I made is that momentum is important. Some of the most significant policy changes we made were early after our first win in 97 - bank of England independence, devolution, the minimum wage, the new deal on jobs. Also Tony Blair decided early on to make peace in Northern Ireland a priority. We established some clear strategic themes early on and then tried to work to those priorities. Perhaps we could have done even more earlier on.
6. How does a new government prioritize its new policies? Where should the focus be?
It should be on the key promises made to get there. For us that meant showing we could be trusted on the economy, public services, introducing promises made on changes to the Constitution, and a new approach in Europe. Setting priorities and making sure they are understood is a key aspect of leadership.
7.What kind of publicity strategy did you advise? What must they avoid?
I emphasised that Japan's political and media culture is different, but that the golden rule of communications for me is to be clear about objectives, work first on the strategy to meet them, and only then think about all the tactical considerations.
8.What was Mr. Ozawa interested in? What kind of questions did he ask? How did you answer them?
He and his team wanted to know how we made the transition from opposition to government. They were very interested in practicalities, not least of how to manage the permanent civil service. I tried as best I could to explain what we did and I hope it had some relevance to them as they make a similar transition.
@ Alastair Campbell worked for Tony Blair as spokesman and communications director from 1994 to 2003 and was also communications director of Labour's 2005 election campaign. His book, The Blair Years, extracts from his diaries, was a Number 1 best-seller
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Cameron's Conservatism beyond parodyPublish date: 2009-09-09 10:38:00
On transforned cities, and tales of Princess Di and Laura BushPublish date: 2009-09-08 09:45:54
Labour should put minister up against Griffin on Question TimePublish date: 2009-09-06 12:39:56
School speech the latest source of right-wing frothing at ObamaPublish date: 2009-09-05 08:23:02
More horse's mouth, less Beeb blah pleasePublish date: 2009-09-04 22:49:20
Real respect for sport can be Olympic legacyPublish date: 2009-09-04 09:27:34
First ladies watch out for Japanese bombshellPublish date: 2009-09-03 10:47:19
TV debate - good idea in theory, but ...Publish date: 2009-09-02 15:37:43
'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
George Woodhouse
2009-10-27 23:14:32Remind me - who was it who said:
"There is nothing that you could say to me now that I could ever believe" - and to whom?????.
Oh yes I remember - but would we want a president who we cannot believe?
Charlie
2009-10-27 10:09:03@AC "....We had a fair media wind in the early days but that quickly changed...."
The Media, like many of us, were caught up in the 3rd-Way, 'Things can only get Better' hoopla initially.
Once it became clear that Blair (ably assisted by you) simply supplied a thin veneer of electability to the same old Tax and (over)Spend Labour Party, we and they cofrrectly revised our opinions.
Labour's overspending, unacompanied by adequate reform the overblown Public Sector ensured that Britain was uniquely unprepared when the Global Downturn struck the Western Economies.
Gordon Brown and his failed government now deserve to be defenestrated at the earliest opportunity.
As for Tony Blair, he is a montebank and must never again be allowed any position of Authority.
Alex Sewell
2009-10-27 02:34:43The new Japanese government, are not the only ones who have been been studying the Blair government. DC & co maybe? Yuck!
Hazico
2009-10-26 23:49:58Alistair,
I found this a fascinating article about political processes, related to past events.
Please may I also share some of my personal thoughts about how polticians can engage successfully with the public?
My personal view is that after the euphoria of the early years of TB as PM, and great hope from the electorate, it was going to Iraq that shattered hope for many.The public consensus was not taken seriously- and I felt real anger and disappointment at this decision, and still look back as a very wrong decision- look at the repercussions now?
However, time has moved on. I have remained a loyal Labour supporter, as I have been all my life.
I think it is more important than ever to ENGAGE with the public in the most creative ways possible; and not to rely on the media for representaion of the public's views- which are usually distorted and carriacatured.(After all deisigned to be entertaining- and sell papers.)
It is not enough for politicians and strategists to plan behind closed doors, without engaging with a wide cross section of the public, and understanding their views and experiences.This should surely be a 2 way process?
Please listen carefully to what the average person is saying on the ground about their worries,fears and aspirations for the future? Somehow trust has to be regained.
As a past professional of many years working in the NHS, I know how easy it is get caught up in political processes one one side of the fence, and sometimes forget the purpose of the organization, and who is on the receiving end.
In my view it is paramount that real dialogue continues between politicians and a wide cross section of the public.
Only in this way can meaningful policies be formulated.
I think what the public want from politicians is honesty, clarity, transparency, and mutual respect.
MP's like Anne Widdecombe are popular with the public because she is straight talking! Also- Vince Cable- expresses very sensible views and a real lack of apparent "spin."
I think there are very many highly talented Labour MP's who would be great at communicating clear messages about Labour's values and policies, and I think should be taking a prominent role to back up GB- who although is dong a sterling job with the economy- somehow doesn't seem to convince many of the electorate.I personally have great faith in him, but I think he needs the full backing visibly of a srong team and clear policies.
Finally I'd like to say I'd be delighted to see Tony Blair as President of the EU!
Donald Stavert
2009-10-26 20:29:56Cannot wait for TB to take up the job in Europe.. pity he had to give it up in UK but this will make up for it ... YES ...
George Woodhouse
2009-10-26 18:21:17Alastair - what an understatement to say that TB "divides opoinion" with regard to him being appointed (not elected pse note) as president of the EU. It would be more accurate to say he is overwhelmingly opposed. Please check out the online petitions - 41,000 opposed and growing by the day; compared to just 15 in favour.
Please also check out the responses online to the article in the Guardian today - 6 pages so far all violently opposed to him. But of course the Japanese think he would be great - so thats OK then.
What on earth has happened to democracy in this country? Nothing but a farce.
Em
2009-10-26 17:33:36Good answers. Media bullying of politics and politicians in the UK wasn't something I was really aware of until I read your works.
As far as speed goes, here in Canada, new governments often spend their first year in power implementing their most controversial policies (i.e. language laws) hoping the electorate will forget about them by the next election. Does this happen in the UK and how should a director of communications deal with it?
Oh, and thanks for putting that darn song, "Big in Japan", in my head.
Trudi Pearson
2009-10-26 17:31:32Not sure that Miliband's comment that Blair would 'stop the traffic' would help. Politicians are meant to get the traffic moving, not stop it. But I agree people would sit up and take notice of Blair. I'm not sure most people could name more than a handful of european pols
Pauline Myler
2009-10-26 17:28:15Interesting article in the Times today, saying Blair would do the job really well - which is why some people might not want him to do it. Will those EU leaders really want someone who has the ability to overshadow them? Not so sure. But I agree both Brown and Cameron ought to welcome having a Brit in there
Colin Blake
2009-10-26 17:26:30Always on message AC! There are no votes in Japan though
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