Campbell coming in off the sidelines
There are strong signs this morning that former Labour spin-guru Alistair Campbell could be making a return to front line politics for the European and County elections in June.
Mr Campbell has previously made it clear he does not want a full-time job but is willing to help out in Labour efforts to get re-elected.
A Labour source told the Mail: “We are expecting Alistair to return for next June’s elections and to work on the general election.
“With Peter Mandelson on board we are putting the band back together.”
Should he become engaged with the 2010 general election campaign, he would work beside Peter Mandelson and Douglas Alexander, the party’s campaign coordinator.
The rumours come as one of Gordon Brown’s most outspoken Labour critics proclaimed an end to his efforts to oust the prime minister.
George Howarth, who had offered his support for a leadership contest, said: “Hostilities are over.”
Mr Campbell quit as communications director during the Hutton inquiry into the death of weapon inspector David Kelly, saying he has “become the story”.
He recently agreed to address students at the University of London on his experiences as director of communications.
Cabinet met for the first time since the summer break this morning, although chancellor Alistair Darling was unable to attend, due to a meeting of European finance ministers in Luxemburg.
