Leveson Inquiry

Diana Johnson Excerpts

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

I am afraid the evidence is in black and white. They did not want to take on the Murdoch empire.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

The ministerial code is very clear that the Minister is responsible for the actions of his special adviser. On that basis, was the Secretary of State negligent in not finding out what his special adviser was doing and controlling him? For the fifth time, did the Secretary of State ask for him to be appointed as the point man?

[Mr Hunt]

For the fifth time, the arrangements were approved by the permanent secretary. I do not think there was any process of me asking for certain people to play certain roles. As I said, I think it was a more fluid process than that, but the permanent secretary approved the processes that were happening.