This crisis now has, like some terrifying monster of ancient mythology, four heads. Each head is operating independently of the others, yet all are connected to the same body. The four heads are: the Murdochs and their media empire, the Metropolitan Police, Parliament and finally and critically, the Government. We will now look into the eyes of each one in turn.
The Murdochs A month ago this was still one of the greatest media empires of all time and an indispensable ally of those who sought or exercised power. Its ugly side is now exposed, its corrupt methods laid bare and its reputation destroyed. The Murdoch family ( inclusive of Rebekah whom they treat as theirs) is under siege and suspicion and may in part or all end up in a criminal court. Both the people and the business are subject to a range of judicial and investigative enquires. Ten employees and former employees have thus far been arrested.
The Police To the extent of connections to the media and its ability to investigate media issues and crimes, the Metropolitan Police have been revealed to be lax and incompetent with curious cross connections with the Murdoch empire. This gives rise to issues of partiality and corruption, now subject to numerous official probes. Its two most senior officers have resigned.
Parliament Now enjoying a golden renaissance as the power in the land, operating in its true Constitutional role as the authority to which all are accountable and over which none can prevail. It is now for the first time in years operating independently of the government and to a different agenda.
The Government Rudderless and drifting, tossed by the waves of public outrage and Opposition pressure, trying to find safe haven before the whole thing is sunk.
At stake
for the Murdochs is to salvage the business and avoid criminal conviction
for the Police the restoration of shaken public confidence
for Parliament to build on its new found authority to restore pubilic trust in democracy
for the Government The prime minister’s and his government’s survival together. It may very well be that in the end neither will make it, but before it comes to that, his government may find the only chance of its own grip of office is without Cameron himself.