Labour asks if Murdoch had a role in Gove’s shock return to the Cabinet

ANDREW WOODCOCK

hard Brexiters to balance the appointment of Remainbacking Damian Green as

First Secretary of State.

In his letter, Mr Watson said: “It has been suggested to me that Rupert Murdoch asked you to appoint Michael Gove to the Cabinet.

“Given your failure to secure a parliamentary majority and the consequent weakness of your position, it might be tempting to allow yourself to be influenced by powerful media proprietors who can shape the way your Government is covered.”

In the interests of “transparency and propriety”, Mr Watson said he wanted the Prime Minister to make clear: Whether Mr Murdoch had ever made suggestions to her about ministerial or staff appointments; had ever suggested Mr Gove should be made a minister and had ever suggested “there might be consequences if you fail to take his advice, in terms of his newspapers’ coverage of you and your Government?”

Mrs May’s official spokesman said he was not aware of Mr Watson’s letter.

He added: “Michael Gove has a wealth of experience in Cabinet and he will be an excellent addition to the team.

“The Prime Minister said yesterday she has brought together a wealth of experience, imagination and energy from across the party and Michael is an important part of that.”