Text trail: Inside Jeremy Hunt's iPhone
When these messages were sent and received by Jeremy Hunt, he can never have thought they would be released for public gaze. But his loss is our gain, so read on...
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.Fred Michel, News Corp lobbyist
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 18/10/10
Time: 11.19
Message: Hi can you attend Rupert's lecture and dinner on Thursday? James and Rupert would be very keen to welcome you. fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 18/10/10
Time: 12.09
Message: Yes but have to leave 7.45
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 18/10/10
Time: 14.06
Message: Great
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 27/10/10
Time: 18.50
Message: Today Sky cycling team has recruited a new member called...jeremy hunt! Incredible
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 27/10/10
Time: 19.13
Message: He will WIN!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 27/10/10
Time: 20.05
Message: You should meet him :)
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 2/11/10
Time: 09.25
Message: Just sent Adam our digital numbers
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 9/11/10
Time: 15.20
Message: Hi daddy ! Can you meet James at tomorrow morning for a catch-up? Would be good. Even early morning. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 9/11/10
Time: 15.20
Message: Will ask [redacted] to call
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 12/11/10
Time: 19.25
Message: JH James and I will see you Monday at 6.45
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 12/11/10
Time: 19.25
Message: Great
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 12/11/10
Time: 19.25
Message: Bon weekend
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 16/11/10
Time: 15.49
Message: Thanks for the call with James today. Greatly appreciated. Will work with Adam to make sure we can send you helpful arguments. Warm regards. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 16/11/10
Time: 15.49
Message: Pleasure
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 2/12/10
Time: 22.15
Message: Shame about the world cup. Great campaign. See you at your speech Monday. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 3/12/10
Time: 05.12
Message: Thanks fred nothing u won't like!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 24/12/10
Time: 16.21
Message: Hi. James has asked me to be the point of contact with you and Adam throughout the process on his behalf. Glad Jon Zeff is in charge of dossier. Have a great Christmas with baby ! Speak soon. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 24/12/10
Time: 18.47
Message: Thanks Fred. All contact with me now needs to be through official channels until decision made. Hope Daddy has a lovely Xmas! Jeremy
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 24/12/10
Time: 19.02
Message: You too mon ami! Fred
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 20/1/11
Time: 20.53
Message: Great to see you today. We should get little [redacted] together in the future to socialise! Nearly born the same day at the same place! Warm regards. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 20/1/11
Time: 23.44
Message: Good to see u too. Hope u understand why we have to have the
23.44 long process. Let's meet up when things are resolved J.
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 21/1/11
Time: 06.57
Message: We do and will do our very best to be constructive and helpful throughout. You were very impressive yesterday. And yes let's meet up when it's all done. Warmest regards fred
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 17.42
Message: You were great at the Commons today. Hope all well. Warm regards, Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 17.42
Message: Merci large drink tonight!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 17.42
Message: Me too! Taking wife out for dinner!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 13/3/11
Time: 10.10
Message: Very good on Marr. As always! Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 10.10
Message: Merci hopefully when consultation over we can have a coffee like the old days!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 13/3/11
Time: 10.10
Message: That would be nice!
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/7/11
Time: 15.45
Message: Come on Nadal !! We should get together to celebrate the one year baby birthdays! Hope all well. Warm regards, Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 3/7/11
Time: 16.03
Message: Agree he MUST win! Let's do that when all over
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 20/7/11
Time: 08.03
Message: Agree with what you said on BBC this morning. Hope all is well. Fred
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 20/7/11
Time: 08.03
Message: Thanks Fred
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 31/7/11
Time: 08.50
Message: Dear Jeremy, I hope you have a great Summer break. I wish we had had better news to celebrate in July but events became too overwhelming and grave for NI. I never had a more horrendous 4 weeks! News Corp is still determined to continue its good work for the media market across the world. Hope to see you soon, warmest regards, Fred.
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Fred Michel
Date: 31/7/11
Time: 17.42
Message: Dear Fred it has been the most challenging time for all of us. Thank goodness we have children to remind us what really matters! Would be great to catch up when the dust has settled Jeremy
From: Fred Michel
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 31/7/11
Time: 19.27
Message: Thank you Jeremy. You are so right! As ever, Fred
Paul Oldfield, DCMS private secretary
From: Paul Oldfield
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 10/7/11
Time: 12.28
Message: No 10 asking for outline options paper on delay, fit and proper, and anther can now trust UILs. Jon Z currently writing and No 10 happy to then take our considered conclusion tomorrow after mtg with counsel etc but want to understand the issue this afternoon. Do you want sight of that paper before it goes?
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Paul Oldfield
Date: 10/7/11
Time: 12.28
Message: Yes
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Paul Oldfield
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 13.16
Message: Has letter to cc gone yet
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Paul Oldfield
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 13.16
Message: Can we have DCMS official in box during debate to advise on any issues of competition law?
From: Paul Oldfield
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 13.19
Message: Legal tor gone to cc. We're just sending the letter with your proposed changes using your e-sig as we speak. Happy for us to do that?
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Paul Oldfield
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 13.39
Message: Yes
From: Paul Oldfield
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 13.39
Message: We'll also do sane for avaaz, Ivan Lewis, News Corp and Sky letters this afternoon. Already issues letters on your behalf consulting Das on public inquiry terms of reference
Sue Beeby, Hunt's special adviser
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 22/12/10
Time: 20.36
Message: Daily Tel running something on my mtg with James M at DCMS earlier in year. Cld u check they know I met all media owners etc.? pretty sure Sky bid not discussed
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 22/12/10
Time: 20.36
Message: Do you know who is writing it?
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 22/12/10
Time: 21.39
Message: Really sorry deleted msg. I'm sure we'll be fine, they hardly havecredibility reporting this issue!
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 22/12/10
Time: 21.39
Message: Exactly! Have spoken to the guardian too who have run the storyand know from an foi [Freedom of Information request] that the meeting wasn't minuted. Just said you had lots of coffees with people when you first started and due to their nature they weren't minuted
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 17/2/11
Time: 14.17
Message: Hi had a think about andy drink and think it might be best to wait
till news corp process is over. He's so closely linked to them that if you were seen it wouldn't look great. I'm sure he would understand and it should only be a week or so
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 17/2/11
Time: 14.55
Message: Ok please tell him and arrange for a few weeks time thx
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 11.13
Message: I think we should turn down ft event. There are protesters
outside it. Shots would look awful on broadcast and time would
be better spent speaking to newspaper editors. [redacted] as spoken to them provisionally and they were fine about it
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 4/3/11
Time: 07.09
Message: Overall papers cld have been a lot worse. I range from being a
curate to being on Ski Sunday! Thank you, u were the best I have
ever seen u, truly outstanding. Don't get poached by No 10!
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 4/3/11
Time: 07.09
Message: Thank you! I'm so annoyed though. You made the right decision
but no one will say that because of their own vested interests. And they talk about the power of the murdochs!
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 23/6/11 Time: 11.13
Message: Warning! Please don't take any calls from vince over the next few
days. Will explain all when we speak but he is trying to be very sneaky over news corp
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 23/6/11
Time: 16.12
Message: Ok understood!
From: Sue Beeby
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 9/7/11
Time: 10.11
Message: Obviously i don't think you would but don't think you should have
any phone or text contact with any of the murdochs at the moment or indeed anyone at news corp/news int as we will be asked by journos
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Sue Beeby
Date: 9/7/11
Time: 12.46
Message: Agree!
Craig Oliver, Head of communications at No 10
From: Craig Oliver
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 08.11
Message: Hi Jeremy, One thought which I'm sure you are onto. View emerging that Murdoch will pull a fast one on selling Sky News - needs assurances that won't happen. C
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Craig Oliver
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 08.11
Message: Thanks think our agreement will address those concerns and will feed out
Ed Richards, Ofcom chief exec
From: Ed Richards
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 20/12/10
Time: 08.25
Message: I have an urgent last minute request for a meeting from james murdoch this morning and think I ought to do it so will not be able to make the 9 30 meeting. My apologies Ed R.
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Richards
Date: 20/12/10
Time: 08.25
Message: No probs good luck!
From: Ed Richards
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 31/12/10
Time: 17.23
Message: Public interest test report should be with you now, bang on time. Happy to discuss in the new year. Best wishes, Ed
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Richards
Date: 31/12/10; Time: 18.54
Message: Thanks Ed will read with interest! Happy New Year Jeremy
Ed Llewellyn, PM's chief of staff
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 07.21
Message: Newscorp decision now public. Would PM or DPM like briefing?
From: Ed Llewellyn
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 08.20
Message: Possibly yes -will ask at our 0830. Can you speak to dpm office direct pse?
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 08.20
Message: Sure
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 18.20
Message: Am I officially allowed to talk to my boss now? :-) seriously think we r thru worst, broadcast fine although Mail and Tele will be horrible
From: Ed Llewellyn
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 19.21
Message: Yes you are! Well done today. Give me a call tomorrow - time we had a catch up
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 9/3/11
Time: 12.48
Message: Not a single PMQ on Murdoch - I declare victory!
From: Ed Llewellyn
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 9/3/11
Time: 12.48
Message: Well done!
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 09.07
Message: Does DC really want me to lead debate this afternoon? I have had written legal advice not to. I can challenge, but it seems crazy politically. Shall I come round?
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 09.07
Message: Basically legal advice was only way Govt can support motion is if I have nothing to do with it
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: Ed Llewellyn
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 09.07
Message: Also do we want to put up one person who is unable to support motion?
From: Ed Llewellyn
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 13/7/11
Time: 09.07
Message: Am talking to pm now about it. Have got all your good points
James Murdoch, then N.I. Chairman
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 12.46
Message: Sorry to miss ur call. Am on my mobile now Jeremy
From: James Murdoch
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 12.52
Message: Have to run into next thing. Are you free anything after two fifteen? I can shuffle after this.
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 12.55
Message: How about 4?
From: James Murdoch
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 12.56
Message: Done
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 12.57
Message: Great and congrats on Brussels, just Ofcom to go!
From: James Murdoch
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 18.33
Message: Big few days. Well played. JRM
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 18.55
Message: Thanks think we got right solution!
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 3/3/11
Time: 18.55
Message: Thanks think wY
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 4/3/11
Time: 16.59
Message: Just been with the Team GB Cycling team in Manchester who aremost impressed with the personal interest you show in their performance!
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: James Murdoch
Date: 31/3/11
Time: 08.59
Message: Many congratulations on the promotion although I am sure u will really miss Ofcom in NY! Jeremy
From: James Murdoch
To: James Hunt
Date: 31/3/11
Time: 08.59
Message: Thanks Jeremy -- sadly I fear they won't see the back of me that easily! Hopefully we can move our other business forward soon so we can catch up properly, best
George Osborne, Chancellor
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: George Osborne
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 16.08
Message: CId we chat about Murdoch Sky bid? am seriously worried we are going to screw this up. Jeremy
From: Jeremy Hunt
To: George Osborne
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 16.08
Message: Just been called by James M. His lawyers are meeting now & saying it calls into question legitimacy of whole process from
beginning, 'acute bias' etc.
From: George Osborne
To: Jeremy Hunt
Date: 21/12/10
Time: 16.58
Message: I hope you like the solution!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments