Alastair John Campbell ( born 25 May 1957 ) was the Director of Communications and Strategy for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom ( Tony Blair ) between 1997 to 2003 . Alastair John Campbell ( born 25 May 1957 ) is a British journalist , broadcaster , political aide and author , best known for his work as Director of Communications and Strategy for Prime Minister Tony Blair between 1997 and 2003 , having first started working for Blair in 1994 .