Cable to remain in post following declaration of 'war' on Murdoch
Having been recorded by undercover reporters ‘declaring war’ on Rupert Murdoch and his bid to buy the full share of BSkyB, Vince Cable, business secretary has been told that he will remain in post, but will no longer rule on the decision.
Cable was recorded by undercover reporters for The Daily Telegraph, a recording which was then leaked to the BBC, apparently admitting that he would ensure that Murdoch was unsuccessful in his attempt to take full control of BSkyB, before the consultation had even finished.
"I am picking my fights, some of which you may have seen, some of which you may haven't seen,” he is apparently heard to say in the records.
"And I don't know if you have been following what has been happening with the Murdoch press, where I have declared war on Mr Murdoch and I think we are going to win."
Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt will now take up responsibility for the ruling, while calls from Labour for Cable to be sacked seem to have gone unheard by the coalition Government, which has said that he will remain in post.
A statement from the Government, said: "Following comments made by Vince Cable to the Daily Telegraph, the prime minister has decided that he will play no further part in the decision over News Corporation's proposed takeover of BskyB.”
The statement continued: "In addition, all responsibility for competition and policy issues relating to media, broadcasting, digital and telecoms sectors will be transferred immediately to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. This includes full responsibility for Ofcom's activities in these areas.
"The prime minister is clear that Mr Cable's comments were totally unacceptable and inappropriate."