Last week at the Iraq War Inquiry, Alistair Campbell dispatched in one fell swoop suggestions that Tony Blair had mislead parliament over the issue of WMD’s, instead suggesting that ‘dishonest journalism’ was to blame.

If Alastair Campbell’s introduction to the Inquiry on Tuesday showed anything it was that the Inquiry has as much fire power as a non-existent WMD.  The inquiry panel clearly lacks the bite needed to question seasoned politicians and spin masters and on Tuesday evening was left looking like an empty shell. During the session, Campbell always held the upper hand and rarely looked distressed.

Two things emerged from Campbell’s evidence: Firstly, he took the opportunity to re-emphasise his unwavering loyalty to Labour. When offered the option of clearing his own name with regards to the ‘sexing-up’ of the Iraq War Dossier, Campbell displayed the spin he once so gracefully employed as Director of Communications for Tony Blair by claiming that he could not be privy to every-single conversation that the PM had.  Would a Mandelesque comeback be off the cards as Labour stumble into PR-oblivion? As Campbell stands in the shadows of the crumbling Labour party HQ, clearly he is plotting his next move. Why not re-enter Labour party politics – after all the party seems to be rewarding all loyal supporters with Tsar-ships, think Tsars Mandelson, Sugar and Campbell.

Second, Campbell’s show of undying loyalty towards his ex-boss was nothing short of impressive. Campbell’s enthusiastic efforts to divert any leading or damaging questions from the panel has been to the detriment of the Inquiry. Campbell’s ability to show the panel as being toothless has shaken any concerns that Blair may face anything more challenging than a simple stroll through Hyde Park. As the Inquiry retreats to lick its wounds after yet another unproductive week of toothless inaction, we are left wondering whether anything productive can come from this inquiry,