Blog
Hunt emails and the business of lobbying
by Amber Elliott / 25 Apr 2012 10:54
We were treated to a file of 161 emails between Jeremy Hunt's office and lobbyist Frederic Michel yesterday.
Many have chosen to focus on what the dossier says about the relationship between politicians and the media - but is there not a wider question of lobbying access?
The emails provided an overview of government direction as well as confidential 'inside' information.
They use phrases such as "had a call with JH"
Rupert Murdoch at the Leveson Inquiry
by Caroline Schelle / 25 Apr 2012 10:04
Murdoch was questioned by a representative of Associated Newspapers, which owns the Daily Mail as well as a representative from the National Union of Journalists.
The representative from Associated Newspapers asks about the role of commercial interest in editorial policy and refers to references about the Daily Mail’s campaign against News Corp’s BSkyB bid. The representative also points out that it does not reflect Paul Dacre’s personal editorial views.
Murdoch said that
Jeremy Hunt's survival would be some escape act
by Ben Duckworth / 25 Apr 2012 09:59
“He’s fine” – this succinct text from one of Jeremy Hunt’s supporters last night was in response to a question from me about how resilient the culture secretary was feeling. Jeremy Hunt is a man whose previously smooth progress through life has now hit a huge obstacle. While the atmosphere around him is febrile, it is true that he has not yet been given an opportunity to give his side of the story on
The agenda
25 Apr 2012 07:44
What's happening
Today Nick Clegg and Alex Salmond speak at the Institute of Directors annual convention
Today Iain Duncan Smith gives a speech to the 4Children's Children and Families Policy Conference
Today Ed Davey makes the opening remarks at the Clean Energy Ministerial 3 meeting in London
Today The TaxPayers' Alliance publishes the Town Hall Rich List, which shows that a record 3,097 council staff earned over £100,000 last year,
Murdoch on the power of the press in politics
by Caroline Schelle / 24 Apr 2012 14:23
James Murdoch told the Leveson Inquiry that he informed David Cameron in advance that The Sun would endorse the Conservatives for the 2010 general election.
Robert Jay QC questioned Murdoch on whether Cameron seemed happy to receive the news, with Murdoch acknowledging that “it seemed that way.”
It was also revealed that Murdoch tried several times to arrange to meet Vince Cable while he was business secretary regarding the BskyB bid. Murdoch
Theresa May continues to dodge Qatada questions
by Caroline Crampton / 24 Apr 2012 13:31
Theresa May was meant to appear before the home affairs select committee to talk about ‘the work of the home secretary’. The fact that her evidence was completely dominated by discussions of Abu Qatada’s deportation indicates how closely associated her reputation as a minister has come to be with the case.
Compared to her recent appearances in the House of Commons, her appearance before the committee was a calm, polite affair.
But
Third runway pressure hots up
by Amber Elliott / 24 Apr 2012 13:05
A group of Conservative MPs have stated their intention to get a third runway included in the party's 2015 manifesto.
Transport minister Theresa Villiers ruled out the expansion at a London conference last week.
She admitted that there were differences of opinion on the third runway in the government, but that they were looking at all options for increasing aviation capacity "with the exception of a third runway at Heathrow".
But
The Lords referendum is Clegg's to choose
by Emma Burnell / 24 Apr 2012 08:45
Ahhh Lords reform, we meet again. Back when I was young and still considerably more naive, I got involved in various campaigns to reform the House of Lords to a fully elected chamber. After the mess of 2003, where there were so many options on the table that MPs failed to properly back a single one, I vowed never again. Life is too short, and there are and always will be far more
May issue preview - out today
24 Apr 2012 08:33
Chuka Umunna is our cover star this month. He has the style, but has he got the substance? Get your hands on a copy and read Amber Elliott's interview to find out.
Inside the May issue of Total Politics, on the newsstands today, you will find:
- Interview with the shadow business secretary. Chuka Umunna discusses meeting Tony Blair for advice and why Michael Heseltine is a role model
“He’s one
The agenda
24 Apr 2012 08:13
What's happening
Today Willam Hague makes the first visit to Vietnam by a UK Foreign Secretary in 17 years
Today Health secretary Andrew Lansley gives a speech to commission leaders on the NHS Outcomes Framework
Today Skills mininster John Hayes visits Siemens sites in Germany on a fact-finding mission
9.00 Energy minister Greg Barker speaks at launch of a new report by the Renewable Energy Association
9.00 Resolution
Cameron's 'evangelical' reforming zeal
by Amber Elliott / 23 Apr 2012 14:26
David Cameron praised Boris this afternoon for his "dogged" lobbying as London Mayor.
The prime minister was trying to drum up support for a yes vote for elected mayors in the forthcoming elections.
Using the example of Crossrail, Cameron told his audience: "I had Boris on to me about protecting that investment relentlessly – in fact I’d say doggedly…
…and now those massive drilling machines are under London, creating thousands of
Greg Mulholland wins the MPs’ marathon
by Caroline Schelle / 23 Apr 2012 13:17
Seven MPs ran the London Marathon yesterday, raising a total of over £63,000 so far for a range of charities and causes.
The original number of MPs set to run was eight, but Phillip Lee Conservative MP for Bracknell had to pull out the day before due to a hamstring injury. In a statement on his donation page he announced that he was ‘gutted’ to be out of the marathon but will compete
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