Alastair Campbell is to become the newest recruit to British GQ, having been commissioned to undertake “heavy-hitting” interviews covering the worlds of politics, sport, business and media.
In an announcement today from GQ editor Dylan Jones, the former director of communications and strategy for Prime Minister Tony Blair was described as a “brilliant, opinionated and compelling writer who has the ability to get straight to the heart of what matters”.
While still remaining active in politics in Britain and overseas, Campbell now splits his time between writing, speaking, fundraising, consultancy and campaigns.
Reacting to the proposal from GQ – a slot once belonging to Piers Morgan – Campbell said that he did not think he was “well dressed enough, or cool enough” to write for the Conde Nast publication, which has a monthly circulation of 118,000.
“When I was a full-time journalist, I always enjoyed big interviews and I am pleased GQ want me not just to do politics, but figures from sport, business, culture, other aspects of life that I find interesting,” said Campbell, who says that he hopes he can bring a bit of “lefty influence” to the monthly magazine.
“There is something not quite right about having an editor who slopes off to write sympathetic books about David Cameron, and makes Benedict Cumberbatch the GQ man of the year.
“GQ should be the magazine for State schools, not Eton and Harrow.”
Campbell’s first interview for GQ will feature in the May 2014 issue.
MediaTel provides accurate and expansive media intelligence reports. Click here to find out more
