Cameron's Boys, BSkyB and NewsCorp - the Hunt is on

[malaise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/blog/2012/may/24/leveson-inquiry-adam-smith-frederic-michel
<snip>
Michel denies he exaggerated DCMS position to Murdoch
Hunt adviser sent 257 texts to News Corp lobbyist

Jay says it is clear that Michel was working with Smith to send Hunt "helpful arguments" relating to the BSkyB bid.

Michel says he does not know if these arguments were about the BSkyB bid.

11.40am: Jay raises a memo from 15 November 2010 to Michel which explained that Hunt was unable to meet James Murdoch. The memo says: "Jeremy's very frustrated about it but the permanent secretary has also now been involved."

Michel confirms that this message was from Smith, Hunt's special adviser, who suggested Murdoch and the culture secretary have a private conversation by mobile phone.

11.38am: In October 2010, Michel asked Hunt if he will see News Corp"s arguments for Sky bid. Hunt later texts back to say this is "persuasive".

Jay says these exchanges between Hunt and Michel showed that the culture minister was "reasonably favourably disposed to the bid".