DAY CAMPBELL ASKED FOR A FREEBIE PIANO

WHEN the Blairs’ daughter Kathryn, now a barrister, showed some musical curiosity in the early 2000s, Alastair Campbell was asked to contact Chappells, the musical instrument supplier, to track down a suitable instrument for the PM’s daughter.

Campbell suggested to the head of piano sales that the company might care to donate a baby grand piano worth several thousands of pounds to the Prime Minister’s family.

The head of piano sales dismissed the request, telling Campbell in no uncertain terms that he could come in and buy a piano like everyone else, and put the phone down.