THE former editors of the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph have reportedly been lined up by Boris Johnson for two of the UK's top media jobs.
Paul Dacre, who stepped down from the helm of the Mail in 2018, is said to be the Prime Minister’s preferred candidate to become chairman of the broadcast watchdog Ofcom.
The Sunday Times reported that Dacre was "wooed" by the Tory leader over drinks in Downing Street in February, and is now in talks with Number 10.
During his editorship of the Daily Mail, Dacre was highly critical of the BBC – which he would regulate if he was made Ofcom chairman.
The Sunday Times also reported that Lord Charles Moore, the former editor of the Daily Telegraph, has been asked to take up the post of BBC chairman.
Ofcom chairman Lord Terence Burns is due to leave before the end of the year, while BBC chairman Sir David Clementi will stand down in February.
Lord Moore has previously criticised the criminalisation of people who refuse to pay the licence fee.
A Government spokeswoman insisted the processes are yet to open. "We will launch the application process for the new chair of the BBC shortly," they said.
"It is an open recruitment process and all public appointments are subject to a robust and fair selection criteria."
SNP Westminster leader said the report was yet another reason to back independence.
He tweeted: "There is a very obvious question to the people of Scotland do you want this right wing bunch under the patronage of @BorisJohnson dominating our institutions or do you want to find your own way to a civilised alternative? #itstimeforindy"
Labour's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens added: "Throughout this crisis, one of Boris Johnson's overriding priorities has been handing out cushy jobs, public contracts and taxpayers' cash without proper scrutiny.
"People are worried about their jobs and health. The Prime Minister should be showing the leadership our country needs, not seeking undue influence over our independent institutions."
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