A chance of a live web chat with Alastair Campbell proved popular, with the former Downing Street spin-doctor answering questions at ManchesterOnline.

Topics covered a wide-range of subjects, from the Dr Kelly affair to the future of Burnley FC.

The hour-long live chat saw the Prime Minister’s former official spokesman respond to a barrage of questions from visitors to the website.

Readers grilled him on his future in and out of politics, and he revealed that he intends to always be involved in politics, but is also enjoying different things such as public speaking, writing and charity work.

He also talked about his continued close friendship with Tony Blair and said that he was still on hand to offer advice.

He said: “I still speak to him regularly, but that is more because we are friends than because I have any formal advisory role. He knew when I left that if ever he wanted me to be involved, I would be, but not in the same way as before, because my family and I had had enough of the relentless pressure.”

After ten years playing a key role at the heart of politics, Alastair has returned to journalism, writing a series for The Times on the greatest sports men and women of all time, but said that his doesn’t see himself as a journalist.

But he revealed he would be taking on more writing in the future – with a book about his life at No 10.

He said: “I’m sure I will write a book one day, but not for a while and certainly not while Tony is in Office.”

To read the full chat, visit: http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/chat.

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