David Blackburn

Leveson shows his teeth

The Leveson inquiry has rebuffed the government’s suggestion that it should decide on the probity of Jeremy Hunt’s actions during the notorious BSkyB bid. The inquiry says that alleged breaches of the ministerial code do not fall within its remit. A spokesman for the inquiry also quashed Nick Clegg’s claim that ‘we’ve already got an agreement Jeremy Hunt will go to the Leveson [inquiry] pretty quick.’ An inquiry spokesman said that it would not be fair to bring forward Hunt’s appearance. The Culture Secretary will appear in the middle of May.

These developments are an embarrassment for David Cameron, emphasising that he has not called an inquiry into the Hunt affair. Indeed, MPs have been asking what Sir Alex Allan, the government’s independent advisor on the ministerial code, is for.

Some Tory disquiet is building. I’ve spoken to a few Tory backbench teams who are sceptical of the way this has been handled.

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