Following on from Ogilvy PR’s very successful Little Black Book briefing with the Economist’s European Business Editor David Shirreff, the team continue to attract interesting guests, albeit one we have easy access to, with a talk from Iain Bundred our newly appointed Director of Strategic Media Relations. Iain enlightened us on what goes on behind the big black door of No.10 Downing Street.
The discussion looked at the mechanics of No. 10’s media operation from the days of Alistair Campbell to Iain’s time as campaign spokesperson and press officer for Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
We were also treated to Iain’s personal analysis on the Gillian Duffy saga. What went wrong, what went right, was that infamous photo in the radio interview a moment of contrition and humility, or a sign of a campaign that had hit rock bottom?
So what where Iain’s views on the election campaign that tossed out the long term Labour Government for the relatively unique Coalition arrangement we are now experiencing? He left us in no doubt of his position. The Conservatives had ultimately had an appalling campaign. Dogged by inconsistency of message and an inability to champion unpopular policies, they couldn’t achieve the kind of cut through that would have delivered majority government. Labour, contrary to popular analysis had averted a considerable electoral annihilation; something too often experienced by long term incumbents.
Whatever side of the argument the audience in the room were from, they were provided with an entertaining discussion that highlighted the narrative skills of a former political media guru who has turned his attention to brand building and delivering for Ogilvy PR what was so nearly delivered for Gordon Brown.
We look forward to the next instalment of the Little Black Book series.
