The (slightly implausible) alternatives for Culture Secretary

It’s been a gruelling week for Jeremy Hunt. On Thursday the Culture Secretary spent six long hours giving evidence to the Leveson inquiry, revealing the extent of his relationship with key players in News Corp's bid for BSkyB. For now, his position is safe but should he seek pastures new we imagine, in a light-hearted manner, possible contenders for the role once dubbed 'minister for fun'. 

1.Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip - loved by some, loathed by some, but tolerated by all - was a keen sportsman in his youth, enjoying sailing, polo and flying, and while the ‘media’ element remains to be proven, he has, perhaps unrivalled experience in dealing with different cultures.

2.David Bowie

This polymath has over 24 studio albums, 25 film credits as well as countless TV and stage appearances to his name. He turned down a knighthood, and remains, unlike many of his contemporaries, a bastion of singular vision and non-conformity.
He is a cultural icon. So for this reason, Bowie is probably the best qualified chap for the job (as well as the least likely to take it).

3. J.K. Rowling
Her Harry Potter series have sold more than 400million copies and been translated into 67 languages, making it the best-selling book franchise in history. But this isn’t just about reach. Being the Culture Secretary is about understanding what people cherish and protecting and celebrating crucial elements of British culture. And there are few people who so clearly demonstrate an awareness of this as JK Rowling.

4. Plan B

Very much the man of the hour, Benjamin Paul Ballance-Drew has proven himself across several artistic disciplines. The rapper, singer-songwriter, actor and film director first emerged in 2006 with the album Who Needs Actions When You Got Words. While his accent is more British bulldog than British Museum, he has proved a fearless cultural commentator, recently directing the impressive iLL Manors feature film, about violence and poverty in East London. In a Cabinet made up of politicians who seem to hide behind rhetoric, he would be a plain-talking warrior for the cultural underdog.

5. Stephen Fry

The actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, TV presenter, film director and director of Norwich City Football Club has a huge spread of interests and a staggering 4.3m Twitter followers. His weekly forum for witty debate, QI, has cemented him as a cultural behemoth and there is little doubt the Cambridge graduate could hold his own in the often brutal ministerial debates. He’s also very funny.