Dyke in attack on investor

GREG DYKE, the pugnacious boss of London Weekend Television, has delivered a stinging attack on Carol Galley, joint deputy chairman of Mercury Asset Management, who effectively handed control of LWT to Granada last month, writes William Kay.

'The turning point in that saga was MAM's decision to accept the Granada bid,' said Mr Dyke from his west London home. 'The fact that we had been one of their best-performing shares was irrelevant. Other companies in which they have shares should take note.'

During the battle Gerry Robinson, Granada's chief executive, said: 'There is no doubt that Carol is the key player.' A then-hopeful Dyke added: 'Whoever she backs becomes hot favourite.' Granada's pounds 765m bid succeeded on 25 February, the day after Ms Galley publicly declared in favour.

Mr Dyke, who is still discussing his position under Granada, said yesterday: 'I was very disappointed, and I made it fairly clear I was pretty unhappy with the way some shareholders, particularly MAM, voted. People warned me about City short-termism, and we delivered for them. But they are only interested in the short- term bunce. They are not to be trusted.' He is expected to make a decision on his future next week.

(Photograph omitted)