Spin doctor after a seat
After the appointment of Simon Lewis as Prime Minister Gordon Brown's new Director of Communications, in place of Michael Ellam, I hear that another of Mr Brown's spin doctors is about to move on.
John Woodcock, who has been one of Mr Brown's political press advisers since only last autumn, is to get a new, backroom, strategic role in Number 10. But that job may not last long either, since Mr Woodcock is also trying to become Labour MP for Barrow, following the decision of John Hutton, the former Defence Secretary, to step down at the next election.
Mr Woodcock got to know Barrow while working for some years as Mr Hutton's political adviser before he went to Downing Street. I understand it's his first attempt to become a Labour candidate. Although Mr Woodcock is barely 30, and looks younger, he is being seen as the front runner for the nomination, and will have Mr Hutton's backing.
However, being seen as the "leadership candidate" is often a handicap in such contests.
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 18th Jun 2009, leftieoddbod wrote:Hutton going? That's the best news I've heard this week.....
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Comment number 2.
At 29th Jul 2009, John Slinger wrote:John Woodcock may well be seen by many as the front runner, but readers should know that there are some excellent alternative candidates. One of them, Jonathan Todd, I'm supporting and am actively helping.
He was brought up in Cumbria and went to Barrow -in-Furness sixth form (i.e. in the constituency). He also has experience of Westminster, having worked for two Labour MPs and is now an economist for Europe Economics. As his campaign says, Local Roots, National Experience.
He stands for a new kind of politics in Barrow and nationally, as you can see if you visit . Hes working hard to engage with the party members and more importantly, to listen to their concerns and work with them to generate new ideas from the grass roots upwards.
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Comment number 3.
At 18th Aug 2009, dennisjunior1 wrote:Michael:
It's always a good thing, that they are taking the initative to look
for a better careers....
=DENNIS JUNIOR=
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