Leveson Inquiry

Jonathan Ashworth Excerpts

Wednesday 25th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hunt]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. When it comes to the behaviour of special advisers, we will take no lessons from the Opposition, having seen the infinitely worse behaviour of Damian McBride.

[Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester South) (Lab)]

Who suggested to the permanent secretary that Mr Smith should have the role of the go-between between the Department and News Corporation? Presumably a submission went to the permanent secretary and to the Secretary of State. Will he put that submission in the Library? Did he have any conversations with the permanent secretary about the appropriateness of a politically appointed special adviser having that role, and not a civil servant?

[Mr Hunt]

I have already answered that question and will take no lectures from the Labour party on how to manage special advisers, such as Damian McBride.