Jeremy Hunt is the current culture secretary in David Cameron鈥檚 government, and was responsible for approving News Corp.鈥檚 attempt to purchase controlling shares of BSkyB in 2010-11. But April 24 testimony revealed the depth and frequency of Mr. Hunt鈥檚 contact even as the deal was being examined by the government.
The testimony underscored that Hunt鈥檚 office, often through his adviser Alex Smith, was in regular contact with Frederic Michel, News Corp.鈥檚 PR chief, via email. Those emails showed Hunt was predisposed to approve the BSkyB purchase before he was appointed to judge the takeover, and he appeared to regularly communicate the status of his decision to Mr. Michel.
According , 鈥淭he Culture Secretary also mentioned on his website that he is 鈥榣ike all good Conservatives, 鈥� a cheer leader for Rupert Murdoch's contribution鈥� to the media industry.鈥�
The general consensus among British media observers is that Hunt has been severely politically damaged by testimony given on April 24, and may be forced to resign. The prime minister鈥檚 office gave Hunt a vote of confidence the same day, however.
