Daily Mail wavers on backing Conservatives
The Conservative Party should not take the support of The Daily Mail newspaper for granted at the next general election, Viscount Rothermere has warned.
The chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust, speaking in Monday’s Independent, said the Daily Mail – often seen as an exponent of conservative politics – would support the political party that best served the interests of the middle classes.
“The Conservatives do not have a God-given right to expect the loyalty of the Daily Mail,” Viscount Rothermere said.
“The Daily Mail supports the middle-class of this country and if the middle-class of this country is better supported by another political party and feels that way, then I’m sure Paul [Dacre, editor-in-chief] would make the corresponding decision.”
The peer also expressed his admiration for Prime Minister and his wife.
“I enjoy the company of Tony Blair and Cherie and respect them tremendously as individuals for what they have accomplished with their lives. They are remarkable people as are other members of the government,” he said.
That said, realistically, few believe The Daily Mail would switch allegiances at the next election.
