Leveson threatened to quit after public attack by Gove
Sunday 17 June 2012
Related articles
The judge leading the investigation into media ethics in the wake of the phone hacking scandal was poised to quit following a public attack on the probe by the Education Secretary, it was reported today.
Lord Justice Leveson complained to Downing Street's most powerful civil servant about claims made by Michael Gove that the inquiry had created a “chilling atmosphere” towards freedom of the Press, according to the Mail on Sunday.
In a telephone call with Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood he called for the Tory to be “gagged” and warned the inquiry was being undermined, it said.
Sir Jeremy is reported to have told Prime Minister David Cameron about the conversation.
“Our clear impression was that he was spitting tacks with Gove and was ready to resign unless the Minister was told to shut up,” a Government source told the newspaper.
Mr Gove, a former journalist at the News Corporation-owned Times, told a Parliamentary Press Gallery lunch in February that he saw “dangers” in the inquiry into press cultures, practices and ethics.
Lord Justice Leveson instructed his officials to compile a full report of the comments and he phoned Sir Jeremy within 24 hours, it was reported.
Called to give evidence at the inquiry last month, the Conservative Cabinet Minister went on to make an even more robust assessment about the potential outcome of the probe, warning the judge that inquiry recommendations were often “applied in a way that the cure is worse than the disease”.
The pair then clashed when Mr Gove raised concerns about restraints on the “precious liberty” of freedom of speech. In an apparent slap down, Lord Justice Leveson said: “I do not need to be told about the importance of freedom of speech, I really don't.”
Earlier this week he opened the hearings by warning it was “essential” cross-party political support for his investigation was “not jeopardised”.
A Leveson Inquiry spokesman said: “Lord Justice Leveson is conducting a judicial inquiry and, in that capacity, will not comment on press stories outside the formal proceedings of the inquiry.”
Downing Street, the Cabinet Office and Mr Gove's spokesman all refused to comment.
-
That's some guestlist! Stunning images show huge dynastic wedding between Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families which attracted 25,000 guests
-
Anonymity order lifted for triple child killer David McGreavy jailed in 1973
-
World news in pictures
-
Far-right French historian, 78-year-old Dominique Venner, commits suicide in Notre Dame in protest against gay marriage
-
Video emerges of Pope Francis reportedly performing an exorcism in St Peter’s Square
- 1 'Soldier beheaded' in street as two shot in suspected terrorist attack near Woolwich barracks
- 2 Gay couple beaten in park urge MPs to moderate language on gay marriage
- 3 After woman sells virginity for $780,000, here are the results of our prostitution survey
- 4 China agrees to impose carbon targets by 2016
- 5 Far-right French historian, 78-year-old Dominique Venner, commits suicide in Notre Dame in protest against gay marriage
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
Independent Dating
Day In a Page
How to say ‘I’m a sellout’
Why clubs are keen to take a stand






Comments