Alastair Campbell breaks down Labour's election strategy | LBC analysis

Alistair Campbell has told LBC that Labour have to ‘fight like they can lose this’ after Rishi Sunak called a surprise General Election for July 4.
Labour are about 20 points ahead in the opinion polls but Tony Blair’s former strategist insists Sir Keir Starmer’s party cannot afford to be complacent.
Speaking to Andrew Marr, Mr Campbell said: “You will know about something called the Queensland strategy, which is a strategy operated in Australia.
“In Queensland, where the incumbent, who everybody said was going to lose, basically did the message; ‘don't give these guys a blank cheque, don't give them the landslide that they think they're going to get.’
“And guess what happened? The landslide never happened and they lost."
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[@PrinceOfCats5]

Rishi Sunak should re-focus his campaign to avoid doing what isn't working for him. Never go out in public, meet people, talk to them or go anywhere near a camera or a microphone

[@nicholasarrow2443]

Best if he just stayed in bed.

[@SimonFrack]

Is there a way he can play to his strengths? Getting fined by the police or throwing a load of money at it?

[@Haan22]

​@@SimonFrackhiding in a fridge maybe? Nothing wrong with looking at what others have done.

[@grateberk6435]

Or steal all our money, or be a chancellor ........................etc

[@SimonFrack]

@@Haan22 I’m yet to hear his stance on Peppa Pig World.

[@JohnHillRSNStudios]

Labour should campaign like they’re twenty points down instead of twenty up. They have the chance to bury the Tories for perhaps the next two general elections after this so they need to go for the jugular.

[@oitoitoi1]

the tories won't survive opposition, they've empowered the far right so much that it will now tear them in half. the members will likely elect a far right figure like braverman or patel, which will completely alienate the merely hard right tories like hunt, cleverley etc., if they don't the far right will defect to reform.

[@iancwright6298]

Labour are just red tories,all the corruption will never end . Twisted 👊💦💦💦 the lot of them,everytime labour have got in they brought country to its knees.

[@Westlake72]

That is exactly what Starmer is doing and for all the criticism he receives from the left, and have some sympathy with those views, I am just happy to see a Labour leader who not only wants to to win a general election (unlike a certain former Labout leader - mentioning no names) but is desperate to totally annihilate the Tory party.

[@rustynail1194]

Fight for every vote and give something for people to vote for. Everyone is fed up.

[@johnrowland3105]

Please keep this type of explanation and analysis going. Most of us are sick to death of political media and trolling on other platforms, but your presentation and knowledge is beyond compare.

[@davidwhite8045]

The orange jacket that Sunak held today tells you everything, liars and con artists and ask yourself was that needed really

[@AtheistfanGuava]

If he lost the election he wins anyway, Two wars , one at Europe's doorstep with use of nuclear warheads being threatened. I think he just wants labour party to go down that rabbit hole.

[@GaryV-p3h]

Labour's only downfall could be complacency at this stage, they are so far ahead in the polls, even if the Tories could manage to do a deal with Reform or persuade all those who defected to them to vote back they still wouldn't have enough votes to win the GE.

[@lynnevenables7193]

I just pray neither party gets a majority! Both are dangerous!

[@pip1723]

Labour victory incoming👍 can't wait.

[@warrenwright7165]

Starmer’s lies, if held under the same scrutiny as Corbyn will be a big blow.

[@AtheistfanGuava]

​@@pip1723ukraine russia war will give labour nightmares it didn't order

[@Jonnyonthespot123]

@@warrenwright7165 If anyone in the past 14 years was held to the same scrutiny as Corbyn then the Conservatives would have been laughed out of office after month one. Johnson wouldn't have been able to get a word in!

[@brianferguson7840]

And the 2024 Oscar nomination for best soundtrack goes to.......✉️ Steve Bray

[@johnburrows3385]

The longer the campaign, the more exposure Sunak gets , the worse it'll become for the Tories.

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

Sunak hired a plane today to fly to Inverness. No idea why, it is being kept very secret and quiet. Most Tories visiting book a large fridge to have a supporters meeting. Tories would never come into contact with the general public, especially in the Highlands.

[@highlandgnome]

There are still more sightings of Nessie than Tories in the Highlands. Although the southern settlers moving into El Gin and Fow ress might be still gullible enough to buy the Tory nonsense again.

[@benwilson6145]

The surprise is that its a microlight

[@mcg9864]

He did a small media appearance at a newly opened Japanese wind energy construction project there

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

​@@mcg9864poor people

[@mcg9864]

@@Alucard-gt1zf ken

[@chaipup7045]

we need Campbell back to sort out the Moseley media.

[@tajhussain7515]

n Iraq invasion too.

[@inspectortanzi]

No, we don't. Nobody needs that war monger back.

[@frankc8264]

That's the problem with the Western political establishment . Instead of punishing those among them responsible for war crimes, they go on to become advisors and political pundits.

[@lintburn67]

Ah the big "war criminal " lie . Btw Campbell has never held public office

[@2wheelsgood.]

It’s been said a thousand times before but our whole political system needs updating. It’s crazy to think that after a fraught six week campaign a new PM is expected to roll into number 10 the morning after and immediately start governing. The Americans do the transition in a much more sensible way.

[@pipins3616]

As snug as Labour supporters think they are I can feel a bit of unease

[@palestinev3722]

Niel Kinock comes to mind

[@stephenhill545]

92

[@emer67]

Campbell was central to the drive to war against Iraq . The huge civilian cost in Iraqi lives shouldn't be forgotten.

[@andersaskjrgensen5468]

exactly. There're some crimes so big we shouldn't pardon people. Has he even apologised?

[@keithparker1346]

​@seriously it's probably why he suffered with depression...guilt andersaskjrgensen5468

[@lheureexquise140]

Campbell didn't just lose with Gordon Brown. He also joined the LibDems in 2019 and campaigned for Jo Swinson against Corbyn. Perhaps not as tiring for him?

[@andrewsmith78926]

when did he join the lib dems? any evidence. he voted for them but that is not even close to what you said

[@grrlgd3835]

Strategy...make up a dodgy dossier containing promises that don't exist.

[@becca125]

can we interview malcolm tucker?

[@jamessomers8955]

Rule number 1......Don't make up lies about weapons of mass destruction.....eh Ally ?

[@jackn4853]

"No such thing as a day off." Obviously Rishi "my plan is working" Sunak doesn't agree.

[@violinstar5948]

Slimey Billionaire Sunak will lose

[@nazzm7298]

Sunak is over.

[@finianlacy8827]

Ask the post office..the mails.

[@lester9448]

Get rid of mel stride first 😂😂

[@midlifeadventures77]

Peddling lies and false promises must be exhausting .

[@alanconway94]

The only part of the UK they'll really have to fight hard in is Scotland. There's a reason why Labour failed so spectacularly, there. Sarwar couldn't even get enough MSPs in Holyrood, to beat Douglas Ross, the last time of asking. 70% of Scots have no intention of voting Tory. Starmer and Sarwar have their work cut out for them, to secure more of that chunk than the SNP.

[@keithparker1346]

Labour are dead Inthe south of England

[@onenote6619]

On the one hand, I agree. On the other hand, Tony Blair is poison. If Labour brings Blair or Blairism back, they are dead to me.

[@pinkpanther7030]

In fact they should propose a new vision in politics. I fear that they are not doing what people want and that's change.

[@kerryfry1857]

@@pinkpanther7030 i understand what you're saying. However imagine 'you' don't speak for the 'people.' I wish you did btw. You might think you do but trust me you don't.

[@pinkpanther7030]

@@kerryfry1857 you are right I speak for myself and my ideals and that's my opinion I am entitled to.😁

[@lynnevenables7193]

@@kerryfry1857 “trust you” what, are you a politician! Oh and you really don’t need to repeat yourself!

[@kerryfry1857]

@@pinkpanther7030 your opinion is correct nice one 👍

[@alexbennett8345]

Your mic is not plugged in mate 😅

[@Frederique41]

Online campaigning is missing in this campaigning period. Online presence is also organising online meetings. I wish the candidates could do that more often.

[@FRU.No.1]

Campbell has the blood of a million Iraqis and Afghans on his hands. Never forget this.

[@rrstows3522]

And then think , how many camaron has , Syria and Libya.

[@andrewsmith78926]

don't like him but was he a MP who voted on this?

[@andyash5675]

Absolutely no doubt about it. Labour can't lose. The Tories have blown it so big, we'll be funding despots and victims before anyone can say "shafted".

[@nicentoasty]

No one's in danger, they are not relevant anymore.

[@andrewsmith78926]

you weren't around in 1994 and 2017 then?

[@Nat6999]

I remember Alastair Campbell talking about the day after the election them all having had no sleep & Tony Blair going into No10 then being taken to be shown the nuclear codes & how to action them.

[@lynnevenables7193]

Gosh, these people are totally out of touch, complaining about doing a full days work for 4 weeks, get a grip! And Tony Bliar “right hand” man is right!

[@palestinev3722]

A thousand great speeches will not build a single hospital. 40 were promised by 2030!!!

[@MsPeabody1231]

😂😂😂 and you believed them?

[@sej8806]

Why didn't Alastair Campbell end his days in prison along with his mate Blair? Can't LBC find a guest better than this proven deceitful liar?

[@benwilson6145]

You mean like Bozo the Clown, the Lettuce or the Prime miniature, far better liars!

[@tq6892]

Like voting for who is going to shaft the country the least for the next few years. Miserable state of British politics as both parties serve the same private interest and sell the people out every single time. I’ve had enough with it and I don’t think the turn out will anything special.

[@jimweights8908]

Labour under Blair Campbell were solid. Plenty of titans in cabinet. Modern Labour will bring this DEI division madness like SNP. Really frightening to think what they will do

[@laogong52]

6 weeks on, 5 years off. A great job if you can get it.1:12

[@alanmckeown5377]

This ballbeg is even more unpopular than Hancock

[@highlandgnome]

Ballbeg? That's a bit posh 😂

[@alanmckeown5377]

@@highlandgnome that's how we say it over here in Ulster

[@robbielad]

​@@alanmckeown5377 ❤ Ulster

[@andymrkipling]

How isn’t this man in jail. War criminal.

[@dolmen6613]

if Starmer hires you Alastair and you can spill the same yarns you did about Iraq he can't lose

[@Jeffberg42]

Here we go with the horse race. All day every day. Cause nobody gives the remotest toss about either of these tossers.

[@keithparker1346]

Cant stand Marr and Iraq War Campbell

[@petewilliamson2038]

Ìt is there job

[@djdoolittle1315]

It’s gonna be Tory Landfill. No worries

[@clario2178]

Campbell for The Hague

[@Garwfechan-ry5lk]

William already has a partner

[@blazzz13]

Does that same logic apply to Cameron for Libya?

[@daveball137]

@@blazzz13And the Tories who supported the invasion. If they were in power, they would have done the same.

[@keithparker1346]

​@@daveball137and?

[@thomasmorin749]

Campbell the war criminal.

[@johnnyb9829]

He’s not a war criminal, people forget that the whole of Parliament voted on and approved going to war. It’s not a decision of one or two politicians…

[@thomasmorin749]

@@johnnyb9829 He and his master fellow war criminal Blair lied to Parliament in the run up to the vote.

[@andrewsmith78926]

don't like the bloke, but how did he decide what to do? he had no power

[@andersaskjrgensen5468]

@@andrewsmith78926 righthand man of war criminals, then

[@lintburn67]

He did something worse in the eyes of the left. Won elections

[@nicentoasty]

Usually anew prime minister will have a couple of months grace. I think that's optimistic for Kier, and soon people will move against him mark my words, he's going to maybe last ayear

[@hughbasham4389]

Not to worry. If you saw Bridgit Philson on question time last night there is no chance of Labour winning.

[@andrewsmith78926]

want to bet?

[@lester9448]

Starmer will bring back British rail 😂😂😂😂

[@Litheon11]

You should focus on which party brought rail to its knees instead.. because it isn't labour. Every single public service worked better before 14 years of Tory rule.. every single one.

[@lester9448]

@@Litheon11 didn't know thanks 👍

[@daveball137]

@@Litheon11It’s Thatcher’s neoliberal ideas come home to roost ultimately.

[@ArsenalTrill]

Never Vote LabCon Uniparty

[@pip1723]

Labour haven't been in power for fourteen year's ..why not.

[@adriftinaboat3452]

You’ve all got selective memories on here Illegal invasion of Iraq-millions dead

[@andrewsmith78926]

was it decided by the courts it was illegal? plus where did that millions died come from, highest calculated figure is around 1.033 million

[@keithparker1346]

​@@andrewsmith78926only 1million and a bit so it doesn't matter 😂

[@vivakidocelot8948]

Andrew Feinstein Independent to dispatch Stammer in his own constituency!!! Vote for the Citizen Independents or The Workers Party of Britain to end the reign of the Uniparty Crime Collective!!!

[@NessieAndrew]

Propaganda

[@markbild2366]

What chanel is talk tv theese days

[@MrTzimisces]

Labour frankly don't deserve to win. The Tories will definitely lose the election, but I hope Labour isn't able to form a majority and they have to rely on smaller parties. Mostly because I think Labour offer absolutely nothing that will change his country for the better.

[@MuhammadLuther-wh4cz]

War criminal

[@jake751]

Sunak and starmer

[@lynnevenables7193]

@@jake751and Campbell!

[@Garwfechan-ry5lk]

Why is he a War Criminal?

[@bl00m1mgt0n]

What specific laws has he broken? Nobody seems able to answer this.

[@Bertieboy-v7y]

I'm voting labour, work is for mugs.

[@andrewsmith78926]

more are on benefits under this tory government

[@jeremymanson1781]

Poor trolling

[@Bertieboy-v7y]

@jeremymanson1781 you bit though so 🤷‍♂️

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

A simple vote pact with the other opposition parties would eliminate the tories to single digits. But guess what, Starmer isn't interested, he's an establishment placeholder and nothing more

[@daveball137]

So it seems but there is the establishment media to counteract.

[@andrewsmith78926]

that won't get rid of right wing voters, infact it would probably make them worse

[@lobintool]

Why is a war criminal being asked for his opinion about anything?

[@bl00m1mgt0n]

What laws did Campbell break? Name them, specifically.

[@andrewsmith78926]

what power did he have to decide we would invade?

[@daveball137]

Tories were up for it too and for further deregulation of the banks by the way

[@nomoreheroes93]

Campbell sounds incredibly out of touch on this - millions of people in the UK have more tiring jobs than this, we're not going to go outside and clap for political leaders

[@tenniskinsella7768]

What stategy. Lies and lird. I hope the saying one week is a lo g time in polictics is true and people come to their senses

[@JamesLochridge-u1h]

So long as Starmer is in charge they could well lose this Mr Campbell, for the simple reason that like Blair he's a Tory, not to mention his attitude towards what's happening in Gaza.

[@bradleybeaumont9202]

Blair wasn’t a Tory 😂 he was right of the labour party and there IS a difference

[@andrewsmith78926]

centre leaning labour leaders win. left wing leader don't

[@scooble]

@@andrewsmith78926 ....what's the prize for 'winning'?

[@andrewsmith78926]

@@scooble what do you get from always losing? If labour had a centre-left leaning leader in 2017, labour would have won. then no boris, truss etc

[@rivgacooper5330]

​@@andrewsmith78926I think a left leaning candidate could win, but it needs to be one of two ways 1. A hugely charismatic left leaning leader 2. First get a left of centre and after a few successful terms move to a more left leaning leader. As a nation we moved left when Blair was in power, but Blair was only going to go slightly left. Let's not forget minimum wage was classed as Radical left pre Blair, all the papers were telling us that it was the end of the UK economy with this one policy.

[@adycreasey5815]

Both rishi sunak and kier starmer are both members of the world economic forum so it's two wings of the same diseased bird welcome to wefminster folks

[@TheWaveGoodbye-Music]

Red Tories and blue ones... Nice one...

[@Jonnyonthespot123]

The country has proven for 14 years that it doesn't want your version of the Labour party. What do you expect Starmer to do, lose again?

[@mr_incognito9305]

​@Jonnyonthespot123 I'd go further. The country has proven since 1983, it doesn't want a hard left labour party.

[@keithparker1346]

​@@mr_incognito9305you do realise the UK is not one country?

[@mr_incognito9305]

@@keithparker1346 don't be a smart a###. We are a union of four nations but we are one political entity when it comes to foreign affairs and Westminster elections

[@palestinev3722]

Starmer to be unseated as well

[@bigslydoc]

Very unlikely.

[@MackemdownsouthF.T.M]

Vote Reform 🇬🇧✌️

[@andrewsmith78926]

😂😂😂 even farage has abandoned them

[@r2cph82]

Vote reform 2024

[@rusty911s2]

Erm .... no.

[@FranzBieberkopf]

No

[@GaryV-p3h]

Not while I've still got my sanity.

[@johnburrows3385]

Er ....that's a no from me.

[@DaleHanson-nw9yc]

LOL

[@1erkyrob2]

Alistair Campbell is not on the same planet as the vast majority of the UK. The Tories have lost over half of their councillors, and have no boots on the ground. Imagine a Tory knocking on doors in June?

[@chaipup7045]

well they knocked in the local elections. Seems Campbell knows what he's talking about and you're just a keyboard warrior.

[@lynnevenables7193]

I doubt labour have many door knockers now they’ve kicked all the socialists out and turned it into the establishment’s B team!

[@dmizzle73]

Councillors don't just leave a party if they lose their seat. Morale of the local parties would be affected but the numbers of members will be largely the same.

[@inspectortanzi]

​@@chaipup7045 The only thing Campbell knows about is lying a country into war. And driving government scientists to 'suicide'.

[@andrewsmith78926]

yes they did lose half, but not to labour. Labour only picked up like a third of them

Alistair Campbell, really ! Who is interested in this self-confessed rent boy's opinions?

[@chaipup7045]

people who want to learn for a Labour winning strategist? Just a thought....

[@Jtwenty2wo]

Quite a lot of people it seems!

[@robbielad]

Wwinward. No one that's why no one is asking you

[@paulsparks7035]

Me