Murdoch's extraordinary access to UK government revealed

The extraordinary access that was given to Rupert Murdoch and his children was revealed for the first time yesterday, with over two dozen private meetings between the family and senior members of the government in the 15 months since David Cameron entered Downing Streetb being reported.

In all, cabinet ministers had private meetings with Murdoch executives more than 60 times and, if social events such as receptions at party conferences were to be included, the figure was at least 107.

James Murdoch and News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks had received confidential defence briefings on Afghanistan and Britain's strategic defence review by the defence secretary, Liam Fox on two ocassions, with a further briefing held with Brooks, Rupert Murdoch and the Sunday Times editor John Witherow.

The chancellor, George Osborne, had had 16 separate meetings since May 2010 with News International editors and executives, which included two with the Murdochs within only a month of assuming office. Elisabeth Murdoch was also invited as a guest to Osborne's 40th birthday party last month.

The culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, had dinner with Rupert Murdoch within days of the government assuming power and, following quasi-judicial oversight for the Murdochs' £8 billion attempted takeover of BSkyB, had two meetings with James Murdoch during which they discussed the takeover. According to Hunt, these were legitimate as part of the bid process.

However, the minister who had interacted most frequently with Rupert Murdoch, was education secretary, Michael Gove, a former employee of News International. Gove had seen the mogul for breakfast, lunch or dinner on six occasions since last May, while overall he had had 12 meetings with Murdoch executives since he became a minister.