Presidential visit 'used to hide bad news'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tory strategists were last night accused of using the visit of Barack Obama to bury "bad news".
The news in question is David Cameron having handed a Government post to controversial Tory donor Lord Ashcroft, provoking a bitter coalition row with the Liberal Democrats. Within hours, Lord Wei announced his resignation as Mr Cameron's Big Society "czar", just a day after the PM's fourth try at relaunching his pet project.
Mr Cameron over-ruled strong objections from the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to appoint Lord Ashcroft to conduct a review of Britain's military bases in Cyprus.
A briefing document for MoD press officers anticipated questions from reporters about the announcement being made at the same time as Mr Obama's visit. Press officers were advised to point out that the announcement had to await the conclusion of Cypriot elections on Sunday and there was a desire to begin work "as soon as possible".
The resignation of Lord Wei, who had already cut his hours to spend more time with his family, is a bitter blow to the Prime Minister.
He said he would now be working with the Community Foundation Network to drive "practical development of Big Society ideas".
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oakeshott said: "It's silly to think you can bury really bad news just because Obama is visiting."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments