New PR faces for Brown-Cameron battle
Former journalist appointed for Tory PR
Thursday, 31, May 2007 12:00
The Conservatives have appointed former tabloid editor Andy Coulson as their new personal relations guru.
But the Tories insist appointing Mr Coulson – the former News of the World Editor and one-time showbiz columnist – does not mean the party will fight the next election on spin.
Mr Coulson will take on the role of director of communications, and the Conservatives insist he will not become their version of Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair's high-profile campaign manager.
Instead he will help David Cameron focus his campaign against Gordon Brown as the two leaders gear up for a general election. Mr Coulson will deal with editors and senior journalists on a day-to-day basis as well as overseeing the Tories' long-term strategy.
Mr Cameron said: "Andy is a hugely experienced journalist. I am delighted that he has agreed to join my team.
"Andy will make a formidable contribution as a senior member of my team in building the most effective strategy and operation to win the next general election. I look forward very much to working with him".
Mr Coulson added: "I am delighted to be joining David Cameron's team and I look forward to helping the Conservative party to return to government under his leadership."
The former journalist resigned from the News of the World in January after his royal editor was jailed for planning to intercept Royal phone messages.
Clive Goodman was jailed for four months, but the Conservatives said today they were satisfied Mr Coulson was not to blame for the affair, after he was cleared by a Press Complaints Commission investigation.
Mr Coulson will assume the post on July 9.
Labour have also announced a change in their media team, with the news one of Gordon Brown's long-term aides will become his official spokesman when he takes over from Mr Blair as prime minister.
Michael Ellam will become the prime minister's official spokesman (PMOS) after spending ten years under Mr Brown at the treasury. As PMOS he will be responsible for twice-daily lobby briefings.