Murdoch stands by claim
Rupert Murdoch has stood behind his comments to the Leveson Inquiry that Gordon Brown called him to “declare war” on News International after the Sun’s endorsement of the Conservatives.
Despite the Cabinet Office today releasing information supporting Mr Brown’s denial, the News Corporation chairman tweeted today: “I stand by every word is aid [sic] at Leveson.”
The Cabinet Office earlier confirmed only one phone call took place between Gordon Brown and Rupert Murdoch in 2010, when the two men apparently spoke about Afghanistan.
Mr Brown and Mr Murdoch gave contradictory evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, Mr Murdoch saying that Mr Brown warned him in 2010: "Your company has declared war on my Government and we have no alternative but to make war on your company."
The Cabinet Office statement read: "That call took place on the 10th of November 2009. This was followed up by an email from Gordon Brown to Rupert Murdoch on the same day referring to the earlier conversation on Afghanistan.
"Four witness statements have been submitted to the Inquiry on the content of the call by staff who worked in No.10 Downing Street and who were the four and sole personnel on the phone call."