Lord Tim Bell: Thatcher’s favourite spin doctor dies at 77

 Lord Tim Bell, the spin doctor responsible for the famous  “ Labour isn’t working” 1979 election poster during Lady Margaret Thatcher’s general election campaign has died aged 77. He was awarded a Knighthood by Mrs Thatcher in 1990 and a peerage by Tony Blair. The poster showing a snaking queue of unemployed people, is said to have changed political advertising in the UK. Lord Bell co-founded the public relations firm Bell Pottinger, described by Pottinger as a “pioneer in political communication, and an inspiration to everyone who worked with him.”, which went into administration in 2017.

Mr Pottinger said “He was a devoted family man and passionate supporter of the Conservative Party, most famously helping Margaret Thatcher win three general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987. Nobody can replace him”.

He was a spin doctor for Pinochet and received millions to stir up racial tensions in post-aparthied South Africa, and is now gone for ever. Lord Bell helped found Saatchi & Saatchi in 1970 and as international chairman, he was instrumental in securing the agency’s position as number one worldwide advertising agency. He subsequently served as chairman of Chime Communications plc and chairman of the board at Pottinger Public Affairs Ltd.