David Allen Green

A critical and liberal look at law and policy

Gordon Taylor is not a royal princess

A key question at today’s select committee hearing.

By David Allen Green Published 10 November 2011 16:58

You would not easily mistake Gordon Taylor, the former Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers Association, for Kate Middleton, or any other member of the royal household.

That is why when the question came today at the select committee hearing, it was lethal. It was a simple and beautiful question, and it was asked by Paul Farrelly MP.

Did James Murdoch realise that Gordon Taylor was not a member of the royal household? The import of the question is that, at the time News International negotiated and settled the civil claim of Taylor for having his phone hacked, it was still maintaining the fiction that the illegal interceptions were limited to its "rogue" former royal editor, Clive Goodman. But Taylor would have been of no interest to Goodman.

So putting the fiction aside, it was manifestly obvious to any sensible person when the news of the Taylor claim reached senior executives at News International that the "one rogue reporter" narrative could no longer be sustained. But News International did carry on with this untruth until only a few months ago.

At the time of the Taylor settlement, James Murdoch did not either know or care who Gordon Taylor was, and he did not know or care whether the "one rogue reporter" story was true or not. That is unless, of course, James Murdoch actually did think Gordon Taylor was a member of the royal family all along.

David Allen Green is legal correspondent of the New Statesman.

Tags: James Murdoch Phone hacking scandal News of the World

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10 comments

Fri, 2011-11-11 21:04 — swatantra nandanwar

Who is Gordon Taylor and does he play Rugby for England?
I thought the authorities were pretty harsh on Mike Tyndall, in effect finishing off his international career. Yes, he and the team behaved badly in that night club, but it didn't go that far, as far as we know.

Wed, 2011-11-16 17:51 — swatantra nandanwar

Martin Johnson was right to resign.
Just because thEngland won the World Cup back in the distant past, doesn't mean that they are a 'good team'.
Teams and players are hyped so much by the media that they start believing in their own publicity.
If England start from the premise that they are rubbish in Rugby Cricket and Football, then the only direction they can go is up. Thats how they should view things.
And just because England beat India 5-0 in Cricket doesn't mean they are good. You are only as good as your next game.

Fri, 2011-11-11 09:33 — crabstix (not verified)

I could tell that Jame's was lying yesterday... his lips were moving.

Thu, 2011-11-10 17:58 — swatantra nandanwar

The Royals are not what they used to be; they're letting common people in these days. Easy mistake to make.

Thu, 2011-11-10 21:40 — Ian5

swatantra:Nor are they beheading republicans...oh for the old days and ways.

A well crafted trap from Mr Farrelly, but we know from past history be it a parlimentry committe or a senate hearing little or no truth ever comes out. Remember big tobacco and thier blatant lies. Murdoch has far too much to loose to even consider opening up.

Mon, 2011-11-14 11:01 — Stephen (not verified)

That's Gordon Bennett that plays Rugby for England. Gordon Taylor is a shop dummy down Oxford Street who comes to life on Saturday nights to tell everyone that there is bargain at Harrods in the woman's lingerie department.

Mike Tyndall went way too far by half, so much so that it really knocked his nose out of joint. What's he going to say to his wife when she realises that his nose has been smashed the other way?

Fri, 2012-03-23 19:13 — ChurchillDexter

I thought the authorities were pretty harsh on Mike Tyndall, in effect finishing off his international career. Yes, he and the team behaved badly in that night club, but it didn't go that far, as far as we know. http://www.helpwithbaby.com/

Fri, 2011-11-11 00:00 — Ann Kittenplan (not verified)

Gordon Taylor is a union rep.

Were footballers' phones hacked?

Was he paid to keep quiet?

Was there a conflict of interest?

Doesn't Gordon Taylor have questions to answer too?

Fri, 2011-11-11 18:11 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

I am sorry for threatening you David.

Best wishes and love
Steve

Fri, 2011-11-11 18:15 — Mr. Divine (not verified)

swatrantra: yes they are getting very common in the Commons. Before you know it everyone will be wearing the crown jewels on top of their head singing all things bright and beautiful the Lord god made them all.