THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Cameron was urged to “get a grip” on Monday night after Downing Street appeared to change its position on whether to support the Duke of York.
On Sunday, an anonymous source within No.10 said that there would be no “tears shed” if the Duke stood aside from his role as Britain’s trade ambassador. But yesterday morning the Prime Minister’s official spokesman insisted that the Government was “fully supportive” of his decision to stay on.
The spokesman added that ministers were not reviewing the Duke’s position, despite suggestions from within No.10 hours earlier that the Duke would have to stand down if more allegations emerged.
The about-turn cast a shadow over Craig Oliver’s first full week as the Government’s director of communications.
The assurances also appeared to contradict remarks by Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, whose department oversees the work of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
On Sunday, as increasingly damaging reports emerged about the Duke’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire convicted paedophile, ministers appeared reluctant to defend the Duke. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Monday, March 07, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Downing Street puts arm around Duke of York following anonymous briefings: Downing Street yesterday moved to defend the Duke of York’s position as United Kingdom trade envoy amid concerns about anonymous briefings against him from within No 10. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Monday, March 07, 2011
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