It’s all change at News UK today after it was confirmed that Rebekah Brooks will be making a triumphant return to the publishing group. Brooks — who stood down from the company over the phone hacking scandal — has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of News UK. Robert Thomson, Chief Executive of News Corp, announced her appointment in a statement:
‘Rebekah will lead a great team at News UK into the digital future, while maximising the influence and reach of our newspapers, which remain the most informative and successful in Britain and beyond. Her expertise, excellence and leadership will be crucial as we work to extend our relationship with readers and advertisers, and develop our digital platforms to take full advantage of our brilliant journalism.’
Meanwhile the current Sun editor David Dinsmore is moving on to be Chief Operating Officer, with Daily Mail deputy editor Tony Gallagher replacing him as the new Editor-in-Chief of the Sun. This news may well cheer Geordie Greig. It was thought that he was competing against Gallagher to succeed Paul Dacre as the editor of the Mail if and when he retires.
Piers Morgan has been quick off the mark to congratulate Brooks on her new job:
Delighted Rebekah Brooks is getting her old job back as CEO of News UK.
Great, loyal friend who's been through hell. Thrilled for her.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 2, 2015
However, although Brooks was found not guilty in court on all phone hacking charges, not everyone has welcomed the news of her return to the Murdoch empire. Chris Bryant, shadow culture minister, doesn’t seem too impressed:
Return of Rebekah Brooks is 'two fingers up to British public' – shadow ministerhttp://t.co/0XbBXp0tmL
— Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) August 29, 2015
Well, there goes his chance of a guest column.
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