The Deputy Prime Minister has told the Leveson Inquiry enough opportunities have been given to a “pure judge and jury self-regulation method” to prove itself. Nick Clegg said this morning he believed steps needed to be taken to protect freedom of speech, but also to ensure against the abuse of power in the press. He… Read more »
A cabinet secretary suggested Jeremy Hunt take over the handling of News Corporation’s bid for BSkyB, George Osbone has told the Leveson Inquiry. Hunt was given oversight of the bid in December 2010 after business secretary Vince Cable was secretly recorded saying he had “declared war” on Rupert Murdoch. Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was… Read more »
The Leveson Inquiry has heard Jeremy Hunt and other officials knew of special adviser Adam Smith’s contact with News Corporation over the BSkyB bid. Smith said officials in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport asked him to liase with News Corp lobbyist Frederic Michel over various issues but admitted they may not have known… Read more »
Jeremy Hunt was given legal advice not to make representations to business secretary Vince Cable on the BSkyB bid, the Leveson Inquiry has heard today. The Culture Secretary was told in November 2010 it would be “unwise” to communicate with Cable – then in charge of overseeing the bid – or speak to any third… Read more »
David Cameron was aware Jeremy Hunt supported the News Corporation BSkyB takeover weeks before he was appointed to oversee the bid, the Leveson Inquiry has heard. The inquiry was shown a memo from Hunt to Cameron, sent in November 2010, in which the Culture Secretary championed News Corporation’s bid for the remaining shares in BSkyB…. Read more »
Lord Justice Leveson has warned politicians not to disclose information on the contact between Jeremy Hunt and News Corporation before evidence has been heard before his inquiry. Speaking today, the judge said ministers discussing evidence in the House of Commons before the Culture Secretary and others have appeared before him could “undermine the fairness of… Read more »
