Maldon: Maldon MP attacks Leveson enquiry (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Maldon: Maldon MP attacks Leveson enquiry

12:00pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Local News By Emma Robinson

Maldon MP John Whittingdale has criticised the Leveson inquiry into phone hacking, claiming it descended into an opportunity to “kick the Press”.

Mr Whittingdale, chairman of the Commons culture select committee, said that instead of concentrating on the real issues, the inquiry became a chance for people to “unburden” themselves.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Media Show on Wednesday, Mr Whittingdale accused Lord Justice Leveson of helping people settle "grudges" with newspapers.

He said to journalist Steve Hewlett: “I think Leveson has almost encouraged anybody who has a grudge against the Press over many years to come and unburden themselves in front of him – and as a result he has been looking at things that are a long way from what he was meant to."

See this week's MBS for the full story.