THE INDEPENDENT: Senior media figures hit out at the Prime Minister today as they launched a robust defence of self-regulation.
Former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie launched a scathing criticism of David Cameron's "obsessive arse-kissing" of the Murdochs and slammed the "ludicrous" inquiry into media ethics and phone hacking.
His comments came after Associated Newspapers editor-in-chief Paul Dacre accused Mr Cameron of a "cynical act of political expediency" by declaring the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) was a "failed" body.
At the latest Leveson Inquiry seminar, editors united in their support of self-regulation.
Mr Mackenzie said: "The only reason we are all here is due to one man's action; Cameron's obsessive arse-kissing over the years of Rupert Murdoch."
Mr Mackenzie said Mr Cameron wanted Rupert Murdoch "onside at all costs".
He said "There was never a party, a breakfast, a lunch, a cuppa or a quiet word or drink that Cameron and Co would not turn up to in force if The Great Man or his handmaiden Rebekah Brooks was there.
"There was always a queue to kiss their rings. It was gut wrenching."
He said final proof the Prime Minister had "clearly gone quite potty" was his hiring of Andy Coulson as his director of communications, but the phone hacking scandal had prompted him to order: "Stop the arse kissing and start the arse kicking". » | PA | Wednesday, October 12, 2011
