The Staggers

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Boris invites Murdoch to the Olympics

News Corp head will be the Mayor's personal guest at Rebecca Adlington's swimming final.

By George Eaton Published 31 July 2012 15:26

Rupert Murdoch, and his wife, Wendi Deng.Photograph: Getty Images.

Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, and his wife, Wendi Deng. Photograph: Getty Images.

Boris Johnson appears determined to live up to his reputation as Rupert Murdoch's greatest remaining ally in British politics. The Evening Standard reports that the Mayor of London has invited Murdoch and his wife, Wendi Deng, to be his personal guests at Rebecca Adlington’s swimming final this Friday.

It's a further act of political differentiation by Boris, well aware that no cabinet minister could afford to be seen with Murdoch. The pair have long admired each other, with Murdoch recently declaring on Twitter that the Mayor "writes like a dream", and Boris hailing Murdoch as a business genius during his appearance on Charlie Rose last month. That Boris is prepared to maintain their friendship, even with several of Murdoch's former lieutenants soon to stand trial over phone-hacking, is evidence of what he regards as his political invincibility.

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Tags: Boris Johnson Rupert Murdoch Olympics News Corporation

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11 comments

Fri, 2012-08-03 10:25 — ECS Sanchez (not verified)

"Boris invites Murdoch to the Olympics" - my opinion:
Disgraceful! How dare Boris, as Mayor of London and thus representing London, fete this tycoon of questionable character, and moreover largely at our, the London taxpayers', expense!

I am glad to say that none of our family has ever voted for Johnson, nor ever will - and now Murdoch is indicating that he will back BJ to become next leader of the Tory Party... Unbelievable! Just goes further to show that Boris can't be on the same wavelength as normal folk, not to see that that would be a definite further nail in the coffin of his political future as far as public opinion is concerned.

Let's hope that at the next London Mayor Election there will be a suitable candidate of character and integrity for the citizens of London to rally behind and make us proud to have him or her as our Mayor and representative!

Thu, 2012-08-02 04:17 — BKWANAB (not verified)

Will somebody please ensure that Boris and Rupe are seated on the high board and are shown the quick way down following the event. Pleeease!

Wed, 2012-08-01 11:47 — G.P.Wright (not verified)

You just think Britain has got rid of the the Australian Godfather of a criminal organisation and he returns through the Mayoral back passage.

Wed, 2012-08-01 04:33 — Sarat Pattanayak (not verified)

It is a Rake's Progress redux. Two knaves are leaning against each other for support. For Murdoch, it is instant benefit and for Boris, it is immediate cost. Is not Murdoch the wiliest by miles?

Wed, 2012-08-01 04:33 — Sarat Pattanayak (not verified)

It is a Rake's Progress redux. Two knaves are leaning against each other for support. For Murdoch, it is instant benefit and for Boris, it is immediate cost. Is not Murdoch the wiliest by miles?

Tue, 2012-07-31 21:52 — Graeme Hancocks (not verified)

Not surprising that two revolting turds admire each other.

Tue, 2012-07-31 19:04 — matthew fox (not verified)

Boris should go the whole hog and get Bob Diamond to turn up as well.

Tue, 2012-07-31 18:58 — hugh markey (not verified)

Just give the old blighter enough rope. We know 'hanging to too good for him'.

Gallows Humour

Tue, 2012-07-31 18:58 — hugh markey (not verified)

Just give the old blighter enough rope. We know 'hanging to too good for him'.

Gallows Humour

Tue, 2012-07-31 18:43 — Lucidus (not verified)

Can't wait to hear Wendi Deng say "Rebecca Adlington".

Tue, 2012-07-31 15:57 — Hikaru22

George Eaton:

"That Boris is prepared to maintain their friendship, even with several of Murdoch's former lieutenants soon to stand trial over phone-hacking, is evidence of what he regards as his political invincibility."

I think it's evidence of some old-fashioned touting, by Johnson, for the support of Murdoch's rags'n'organs. Is there no way to stop our political class from cutting deals with this monster? No doubt if Johnson ever does achieve national power, we'll be seeing the same old "business bungs" being thrown in News Corp's direction. Lamentable.