SO John Whittingdale
has a relationship with a 'dominatrix', the press become aware of the
story and had an 'obligation' to report it according to critics.
But they didn't because
Whittingdale as Culture Secretary will be the ultimate arbiter over
press freedom in this country and now is 'compromised'.
Now I have only worked
in local journalism and maybe have a positive view of my profession
but sorry, this is not a 'row', it's barely even news.
The key point is
Whittingdale is a single man and began and ended the relationship
before he became Culture Secretary.
If the press had
reported it, Whittingdale could rightfully have claimed an invasion
of privacy because as a single man he can do whatever he likes within
the law.
Plus the story would
have been basically 'single man meets woman on dating website who
isn't all she's cracked up to be' – not something which will sell
newspapers!
The only point at which
it could have been in the public interest is if he had been cheating
on his wife/partner, I suspect most editors tossed the story to one
side because it's not really news.
If we open the door to
reporting on the actions of single men and women in all walks of life
then where will it end?
Whittingdale admitted
the relationship in a statement and expressed his embarrassment, he's
not compromised over regulating the press because he confirmed the
relationship himself!
Yes, he'll probably
face awkward moments with the editors' of our newspapers for a while
and maybe his credibility is damaged but a sense of perspective here
is vital.
Whittingdale is
entitled to date in private, unless his partner wishes to go public
as Justine Miliband did when Ed Miliband was Labour leader.
But maybe have a better
choice in women eh John?
