Billionaire ex-KGB spy Alexander Lebedev has just hired George Osborne to edit London’s Evening Standard newspaper.
The Standard The move has triggered concerns about media bias and conflicts of interest.
This from HSBC Fraud whistleblower Nicholas Wilson.
Every single day there is another jaw dropping corrupt appointment. And nothing happens.
— Mr Ethical (@nw_nicholas) March 17, 2017
In Praise of Sound Money
Here is Osborne praising the Conservative Chancellor Phillip Hammond straight after last week’s disastrous budget.
Well done Phil. Sound money and fiscal responsibility are the only secure foundations of a fair and strong economy.
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) March 8, 2017
Will there be calls for Tory U-Turns in Osborne’s Standard?
Conflicts of interest
Only last week the Evening Standard itself printed a story on Osborne’s conflicts of interest.
Originally covered by Financial Eyes / London Conversation here.
From yesterday’s Evening Standard… pic.twitter.com/Hfr60Lf93B
— William Turvill (@wturvill) March 17, 2017
Original Shape-Shifter
Adam Curtis’s short 2009 film, Oh Dear, points to parallels between Russian and British propaganda — particularly to George Osborne’s rôle. (after 3 minutes 12 seconds)
KGB Banking Oligarch
Lebedev himself made his money from banking in the late 90’s after having been a London based Soviet spy.
BBC Bias
Here is the BBC’s very own ex-Lebedev man, Amol Rajan, being interviewed by its ex-Murdoch Sunday Times editor Andrew Neil:
Media editor @amolrajanBBC on why George Osborne has taken the job of @standardnews editor pic.twitter.com/02KC00fg1f
— DailySunday Politics (@daily_politics) March 17, 2017
The establishment routinely ignores questions about media ownership and media bias in this country.
But even by British standards this is an unprecedented political appointment.
City AM
The City Of London’s daily financial free paper City AM’s editor Christian May was given the job without ever having worked at a newspaper.
Though I disagree with many of his views Christian May edits well:
Personally I’m all in favour of unorthodox editorial appointments.
— Christian May (@ChristianJMay) March 17, 2017
Murdoch
Murdoch’s Times has had it in for Russia for a while. It’s pushed for sanctions against Russia for its role in the Crimea and Syria.
www.thetimes.co.uk Putin
Lebedev does seem to be friendly with Putin.
The Standard Standard Morale
I wonder what having the Austerity Chancellor in charge of the Standard will do for staff morale.
Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate George Osborne addresses the Evening Standard newsroom. Just look at the joy on their faces. pic.twitter.com/eDxnb0WtIf
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) March 17, 2017
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