Alastair Campbell's former deputy has cast fresh doubt on his future as the British prime minister's communications director. Mr Tim Allan said yesterday he had "absolutely no idea" if Mr Campbell would still be in No 10 at Christmas.
Mr Campbell would stay long enough to clear his name, Mr Allan told BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme yesterday but like others, he was undergoing a "a period of reflection" following the suicide of Dr David Kelly.
"I think he feels extremely strongly that he needs to clear his name over the very serious allegations that were made against him by the BBC and I think that he is extremely focused on doing that. As for his long-term future I'm afraid I honestly do not know. I think he has done a phenomenal job for the Labour Party, he is an extremely committed servant of the Government and I hope that continues."
Mr Campbell's future at No 10 was already in doubt even before he launched his ferocious battle with the BBC over claims he "sexed-up" intelligence on Iraq.
Mr Allan said: "He is a man who does feel his emotions very strongly. He was extremely angry about the accusations that had been made against him.This is clearly an absolutely tragic outcome that caused everybody to reflect."
What happened to Mr Campbell came about because BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan made allegations against him, Mr Allan said. "They were extremely serious claims, they are fundamental to his ability to do the job, so that is why he became the story.
"It turns out they are wrong. The BBC now is not even saying they are right. The BBC governors and the BBC management are not saying those allegations are true any more. Of course he became the story because he was accused of doing something he didn't do. To me, that reflects badly on the accuser rather than the accused."
Mr Allan rejected claims that Mr Campbell set up the row with the BBC as a smokescreen. - (PA)