• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Vince Cable's Murdoch gaffe 'to cost £300,000

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Vince Cable's Murdoch gaffe 'to cost £300,000

    It will cost £300,000 to move civil servants dealing with Rupert Murdoch's bid to take over BSkyB, after Vince Cable's gaffe, the BBC has learned.

    IT changes will cost an estimated £280,000 and moving staff and materials £20,000, an FOI request revealed.

    The business secretary was stripped of his role overseeing media competition issues after being recorded saying he had "declared war" on Rupert Murdoch.

    Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is taking on those responsibilities.

    Two full-time members of staff have been organising the move between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

    The figures were given to the BBC following a Freedom of Information request. The government said the estimated total cost was £300,000.

    A government spokesman said: "Responsibility for all competition and policy issues relating to media, broadcasting, digital and telecoms sectors has been transferred from the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport.

    "The transfer of staff and associated resources is being handled as cost effectively as possible."

    Mr Cable was secretly recorded by undercover Daily Telegraph reporters in December saying: "I have declared war on Mr Murdoch and I think we are going to win."

    The Telegraph published some comments made by Mr Cable, but not those about Mr Murdoch - which were then leaked to the BBC's business editor Robert Peston.

    Culture Secretary Mr Hunt has given News Corp more time to make alterations to their bid for full control of BSkyB after the media watchdog Ofcom recommended it be referred to the Competition Commission.

    ---

    Ok, aside from fact that Vince was an idiot (btw Vince thanks for increasing CGT to 28% you **** ) how the fook it can possibly cost £280k in IT stuff with other costs being £20k??!

Working...
X