[Omah]

http://www.channel4.com/news/james-m...eveson-inquiry

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt secretly backed News Corporation's bid for BSkyB and leaked information to the Murdochs, it emerged today as James Murdoch gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. A series of emails from News Corp's director of public affairs, Frederic Michel, sent to James Murdoch and other executives were read out at the hearing revealing Mr Hunt's thoughts about the controversal takeover plans.

Mr Michel's emails refer to "sessions" with Mr Hunt's special adviser, alongside a "very good debrief" with the minister himself - in this instance following Ofcom's decision to flag up the competition issues surrounding News Corp's bid for BSkyB.

In one email Mr Michel updated News Corp on what Mr Hunt was due to say to parliament the following day, adding that it was "absolutely illegal" for him to obtain the information. Shortly before a decision was due on News Corp's bid, another email was passed on from Mr Hunt's office noting: "JH believes we are in a good place tonight".

Another email, dating from January last year, reported Mr Hunt's belief that it would be "game over" for opponents of the BSkyB takeover once plans to spin off Sky News into a separately listed company were publicly announced.

"He said we would get there at the end, and he shared our objectives," Mr Michel noted.

Earlier emails from Mr Michel alleged that Mr Hunt was "on side" with News Corp and BSkyB, and was "frustrated" after being warned by the Permanent Secretary not to meet Murdoch.

The revelations have led to a flurry of wagers that Mr Hunt would leave the Cabinet, and bookmakers William Hill, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power all suspended betting on him resigning.

However, David Cameron's official spokesman told reporters that the Prime Minister continued to have full confidence in Mr Hunt following the claims.

More pillow-talk between strange bedfellows and more to follow tomorrow .....