ALASTAIR Campbell, Tony Blair’s former spin doctor, is “in the clear” over the Iraq inquiry report and will not face serious criticism when Sir John Chilcot publishes his panel’s findings on July 6, it has been claimed.
The Scot, whose role in promoting the so-called “dodgy dossier”, which helped convince some people of the case for war, has, unlike others, not received a letter from Sir John, outlining where he will be criticised under the so-called Maxwellisation process, whereby those censured have the right to reply.
A former UK Government minister, reported as having discussed the inquiry with two members of the Chilcot panel, said: “Campbell has not had a letter; he is in the clear."
Read more: Families plan to put Blair in dock over Chilcot report into Iraq War
The source described the former No 10 communications chief as a “bit player” and suggested the weight of the criticism would fall on the shoulders of Mr Blair and the then intelligence chiefs.
The former prime minister is said to have begun crisis consultations with some of his closest former aides to draw up a plan of response. These have supposedly included Jonathan Powell, Mr Blair’s former chief of staff, Lord Mandelson, the ex-Business Secretary, and Lord Falconer, the shadow justice secretary.
Read more: Alex Salmond reveals plan to put Tony Blair in the dock over Iraq War
One friend was quoted as saying Mr Blair had been deeply affected by the fierce backlash against the war and the subsequent seven years of the inquiry.
“He will come out all guns blazing but Iraq has affected him a lot. It has made him into a defensive, awkward, self-conscious individual, who feels destabilised by it,” said the friend.
There is even a suggestion the former PM could hold his own press conference to respond to the 6,000-page inquiry report, which will dominate the news agenda. It is due to be published shortly before Prime Minister’s Questions takes place in the Commons and ahead of a statement to MPs by David Cameron.
Alex Salmond, the former First Minister, unsuccessfully sought to impeach Mr Blair in 2004 but is planning, along with other MPs, to make another attempt should the Chilcot report be as damning against the ex-premier as many expect it to be.
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