Bad Al Campbell

Thanks to Private Eye for this article -- reprinted here in the public interest -- from The Sun in 1980 (we're assuming there's no online link for this) which went under the title of 'Wanted - Men for Hire' concerning a younger Alastair Campbell, who claimed to have earned up to £250 per evening of gigolo work on the French Riviera. This was no bogstandard trade for the young Campbell, who reasoned:

"But think of the advantages - you choose your own hours, have a high standard of living, no ties, and all your clients are upper class, rich and civilised. It's never hard work, but the women do expect a high standard of performance."

At first glance, you can well envisage how this fits in nicely with New Labour -- flexible working patterns, prosperity for all, being fucked by rich folk. But was a high standard of performance delivered? If you procured the services of one A. Campbell during the period mentioned, we would naturally wish to speak to you. And did he do it forwards, not back?

As the Eye concludes, there is, of course, no double standards here.

Guido also hears that Bad Al turns up in tracksuit bottoms at Labour HQ for a couple of hours a day occasionally and is not much seen around the office. Seemingly he is more intent on running the marathon than running the campaign.