News Alastair Campbell: Politics Society Speaker 24.03.2023

We were very lucky to welcome Alastair Campbell to speak at Godolphin on Thursday lunchtime to an audience of staff and students from across the school community and visitors from West London Free School. Alastair Campbell, a journalist, is best known for his role as Downing Street Press Secretary and Director of Communications for Blair’s Labour government, and now for his podcast with Rory Stewart, The Rest is Politics.

As well as exploring his favourite podcast themes of ‘Populism, Polarisation and Post-Truth’, Alastair spoke about his experiences at the heart of government during the Blair era, what had inspired him to go into journalism and politics, and the value of mentors such as Richard Stott and Neil Kinnock in his life. Alastair spoke passionately about his belief that young people really can make a difference, the message of his new book But What Can I Do?. He encouraged the students not to be too cynical about politics and the world but to try and make a start in bringing about change. There was a lively discussion following the talk focused on Brexit, the prospect (or not) of a second referendum, Scottish independence and what makes a good politician. Thank you very much to Alastair for making time to come to Godolphin and Latymer and meet his many The Rest is Politics fans!