top aide Campbell to jump Blair's sinking ship ?

[protect freedom impeach bush now]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Politics/labour/story/0,9061,996685,00.html

Speculation grows over Campbell

Kevin Maguire and Ewen MacAskill
Saturday July 12, 2003
The Guardian

Senior Downing Street staff are openly discussing a possible successor to Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's closest and longest-serving adviser who is believed to be on the verge of resigning.

Staff are talking about whether Mr Blair will promote someone from inside Downing Street, such as Phil Bassett, head of the No 10 research and information unit, or headhunt someone from political journalism, as he did with Mr Campbell.

Such speculation is potentially destabilising when the government is at its most vulnerable since taking power six years ago.

Mr Campbell yesterday passed up a chance to deny it outright, saying instead: "I would respectfully suggest it is wishful thinking."

Pressed further, he added: "If I decide about my future, the Guardian would be very high on my list of people to discuss it with."

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