Yahoo News George Osborne says Boris Johnson 'mixed politics and journalism' in open letter to constituents
George Osborne has defended his decision to accept the editorship of the London Evening Standard newspaper, telling his constituents that Boris Johnson managed to mix politics and journalism.
The former Chancellor, who has penned a letter in his local paper, insisted that his work as an MP will continue “unaffected”.
In his piece for the Knutsford Guardian, he said it was an "honour” to “take part in the national debate" about the great issues facing Britain.
"Now I have left Downing Street I want to continue to take part in the debate about the future direction of our country", he said.
"No longer being Chancellor gives me time to do that in other ways - yes, in the Chamber of the House of Commons; but also as the editor of a major newspaper, the Evening Standard,” he said.
“There is a long tradition of politics and journalism mixing. One of the greatest newspaper editors ever, CP Scott, combined editing the Manchester Guardian with being an MP.
“In our age, politicians from Iain Macleod and Richard Crossman to, of course, Boris Johnson have combined the role of editor and Member of Parliament.
"Meanwhile the hard work in the constituency continues unaffected.”
It came after it emerged that Mr Osborne's decision to accept the job offer will be investigated by MPs on the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs committee.
There are now as many as four different probes into Mr Osborne’s decision to accept the job at the Standard and continue as Conservative MP for Tatton.
Mr Osborne defended his decision at an urgent debate into his appointment which was called by Labour on Monday.
He told MPs: "In my view this parliament is enhanced when we have people have of different experience take part in our robust debate and when people who have held senior ministerial office continue to contribute to the decisions we have to make.”
He also joked that the debate - which started at 3.30pm - had come too late for the Standard's lunchtime deadlines.
