Leveson Inquiry: links between media and MPs can be too close, says Gove

The relationship between the press and politicians is not always in the public interest, Michael Gove told the Leveson Inquiry yesterday.

The Education Secretary said journalists and MPs could end up “relying upon each other for confidences which are not shared with the public at an appropriate time”.

Mr Gove, a former Times journalist, also heaped praise on media mogul Rupert Murdoch, calling him a “force of nature, a phenomenon and a great man”.

The Conservative said the idea the relationship between politician and the press was “poisonous” was an overstatement, though it could be a “little rough-edged”. He added: “It is also the case that there are some politicians and some journalists who develop a close relationship which may not be altogether in the public interest”. Mr Gove said proprietors and executives would “from time to time” attempt to influence ministers but “robust politicians” would listen politely but not bend.

Mr Gove and Lord Justice Leveson later became involved in a standoff over press regulation and freedom of speech, with the Education Secretary warning against new laws governing the media, and the judge countering that he was concerned Mr Gove meant “unacceptable” behaviour had to be be accepted.