Paul Dacre: Former Daily Mail editor leaves the race for Ofcom boss

Der Former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre retired from competition to become the next chairman of media regulator Ofcom. He said he would not reapply after the recruitment committee rejected his original nomination in a letter to the Times. The process is currently being resumed after the initial interview with a candidate has not been completed.

But Dacre said he has now chosen to take on "an exciting new job in the private sector" instead. Ofcom has extensive powers over the television, radio, telecommunications, and postal services, dealing with licenses, complaints, and more.

The government's online security bill aims to give companies new powers to regulate social media companies. The 73-year-old Dacre, who left the Daily Mail in 2018 after more than a quarter-century as an editor, is considered a Downing Street favorite to work at Ofcom. The Times quoted him describing his role as a "failed game" with "blobs," a term sometimes used to describe Whitehall restaurants.

Known for his conservative views, the journalist also said that his "strong beliefs" led to him being classified as "disapproved."  He wrote that Ofcom would face "huge challenges" in its bid to regulate the "almighty," "cruel," and "immoral" tech giant "without compromising freedom from expression."

A spokesman for the Department of Digital Technologies, Culture, Media and Sport said the process for selecting the Ofcom chairman was "fair and open." "The process is governed by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, who is responsible for ensuring that appointments are made according to strict guidelines," they added.

The ministers said they were "deeply concerned" about the "lack of impartiality and transparency" process. The 2-page document was signed by Angus Robertson, Scotland's Minister of Culture, and Kate Forbes, Scotland's Minister of Finance and Economic, and Undersecretary of Arts for the Government of Wales, Dawn Bowden, and Undersecretary of Climate Change. , Lee Waters.

The ministers shared their concern that the ongoing process "could damage the reputation of the public service broadcasting system that must serve all countries."