Wiiliam Lewis addressing a packed Simpsons-in- the -Strand
Charity Council trustees Ricky Marsh and Bob McDougall with William Lewis
Annual lunch 2010
Editor takes a bow for story which changed British politics
A gripping account of what it felt like to be editor when the Daily Telegraph broke the scandal of MPs' expenses had even hardened reporters sitting on the edge of their chairs at the annual lunch of the Journalists' Charity at Simpson's in The Strand.
William Lewis, now editor in chief of Telegraph Media Group, said that initially he feared the story was a hoax and he was not completely convinced until the Justice Secretary Jack Straw finally confirmed that the disk, which contained details of all the claims, was genuine.
Chris Boffey, chairman of the Journalists' Charity, welcomed the two leading guests, Mary Fagan, corporate affairs director for the Royal Mail Group, and the Ambassador of Ireland, Bobby McDonagh.
Boffey then said it was an honour for the Charity to hear from an editor who had demonstrated the necessity for "a strong free press to hold the souls of our political masters to the fire of public opinion".
After only three years in the editor's chair Lewis admitted he was not "overly keen" on the story to begin with. The suggestion that a knight of the realm was claiming on MPs' expenses for a duck house seemed as ridiculous as the infamous Hitler Diaries hoax.
The disk had already been touted around and the Daily Telegraph was in fact the fifth newspaper to be offered a chance to buy it. Lewis believed the scepticism of their editorial team served them well because it ensured their approach to the story was rigorous and meticulous. He was in no doubt that the results of their investigation last year "changed politics in Britain forever" and triggered a "a very British revolution" because a Speaker was forced to quit for the first time in 300 years.
During questions Lewis agreed that the legacy of the Daily Telegraph's story was that it contributed to a break down in trust between politicians and the voters. He thought it extraordinary that neither of the two main political parties had "sealed a deal" with the electorate. The narrowing in the polls contained a blunt message for party leaders.
"If you want us to vote for you, you need to tell us what we will get for our votes...Please list the five things you will do otherwise you won't get my vote".
Nicholas Jones 2.3.2010.
David Dinsmore greets David Cameron. Also pictured are JC committee member Lindsay McGarvie and Jill Dinsmore
David Cameron, Dominic Mohan, Colin McAllister, David Dinsmore, Justin Ryan (I'm a celeb's Colin and Justin)
Annual Glasgow lunch
A record-breaking 615 people joined Tory leader David Cameron at the annual Glasgow lunch on Friday (Feb 12).
Organised with just four weeks' notice, the speaker proved to be a huge draw at the city's Thistle Hotel.
The lunch - sponsored by Diageo - was attended by most of Scotland's national newspaper editors as well as the leading lights in television and radio.
At a special reception beforehand, guests had the opportunity to discuss issues facing the media with Mr Cameron.
The Conservative leader spoke at the lunch before heading to Perth to give the keynote speech at his party's Spring Conference.
Glasgow and West of Scotland branch chairman, David Dinsmore, editor of the Scottish Sun, said: " It was heartening to see so many people from our industry in the one place at the one time. It was a great opportunity for journalists, businessmen and politicians to network.
"The turnout was fantastic and we have set ourselves a high bar to get over next year." The event raised around £25,000 for the Journalists' Charity.
The Glasgow branch's next event is the Press Ball, scheduled for Saturday, March 13, at the Radisson Hotel in the city.
gorkana
gorkana have kindly sponsored the inaugural Journalists' Charity Special Award at the 2010 Press Awards