Controversy Erupts Over Ex-Sun Editor's Appointment as UK Government Communications Chief
Published 30 July 2025
Highlights
- David Dinsmore, former Sun editor, has been appointed as the UK government's new communications chief, sparking controversy.
- Survivors and families affected by the Hillsborough disaster have expressed anger over Dinsmore's appointment due to The Sun's past coverage.
- Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and several MPs have voiced opposition, urging reconsideration of the appointment.
- The Hillsborough Law, which aims to ensure accountability in public tragedies, remains a point of contention and is yet to be introduced.
- Dinsmore's appointment is seen as part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline government communications.
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Rewritten Article
Controversy Erupts Over Ex-Sun Editor's Appointment as UK Government Communications Chief
The appointment of David Dinsmore, a former editor of The Sun, as the UK government's new communications chief has ignited a storm of controversy, particularly among those affected by the Hillsborough disaster. Dinsmore, who will assume the role of permanent secretary for communications in the Cabinet Office in November, has a long history with Rupert Murdoch's News UK, a connection that has raised eyebrows given the controversies that have plagued the media conglomerate.
Hillsborough Survivors and Families Outraged
The Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans in 1989, remains a deeply sensitive issue. The Sun's coverage at the time, which falsely blamed fans for the tragedy, has left a lasting scar on the community. Despite a belated apology from the newspaper, the appointment of Dinsmore has been met with anger and distress. Sylvia Rogers, whose husband survived the disaster, has called on Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram to urge the Prime Minister to reconsider Dinsmore's role. Rotheram, speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, expressed his discomfort, stating that Dinsmore "shouldn't be anywhere near a senior government role."
Political and Public Backlash
The backlash extends beyond Liverpool, with three Liverpool MPs—Ian Byrne, Kim Johnson, and Paula Barker—writing to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to express their concerns. Dinsmore's tenure at The Sun included defending controversial practices such as publishing topless photos, which earned him criticism from various quarters. Hacked Off, a campaign group, described his appointment as a "dangerous misjudgment."
The Hillsborough Law: A Lingering Promise
The Hillsborough Law, which aims to establish legal accountability for public disasters, remains a significant issue. Charlotte Hennessey, who lost her father in the tragedy, has been vocal about the need for this legislation. Although Sir Keir Starmer pledged to introduce the law by the 36th anniversary of the disaster, the deadline was missed. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has assured that the legislation will be brought forward once it is deemed ready to deliver justice.
A New Era for Government Communications?
Despite the controversy, Dinsmore's appointment is part of a broader initiative to revamp the government's communication strategy. Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald expressed confidence in Dinsmore's ability to lead the service through a rapidly evolving media landscape. Giles Kenningham, a former Conservative communications chief, noted that Dinsmore faces the challenge of modernizing the government's media channels and improving message delivery.
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Scenario Analysis
The appointment of David Dinsmore could lead to increased scrutiny of the government's communication strategies, especially given the sensitivities surrounding The Sun's historical coverage of the Hillsborough disaster. If the Hillsborough Law is successfully introduced, it may help alleviate some of the tensions by providing a framework for accountability in public tragedies. However, failure to address the concerns of survivors and their families could further erode trust in government communications. As Dinsmore steps into his new role, his ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of the UK's media relations.
The appointment of David Dinsmore, a former editor of The Sun, as the UK government's new communications chief has ignited a storm of controversy, particularly among those affected by the Hillsborough disaster. Dinsmore, who will assume the role of permanent secretary for communications in the Cabinet Office in November, has a long history with Rupert Murdoch's News UK, a connection that has raised eyebrows given the controversies that have plagued the media conglomerate.
Hillsborough Survivors and Families Outraged
The Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans in 1989, remains a deeply sensitive issue. The Sun's coverage at the time, which falsely blamed fans for the tragedy, has left a lasting scar on the community. Despite a belated apology from the newspaper, the appointment of Dinsmore has been met with anger and distress. Sylvia Rogers, whose husband survived the disaster, has called on Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram to urge the Prime Minister to reconsider Dinsmore's role. Rotheram, speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, expressed his discomfort, stating that Dinsmore "shouldn't be anywhere near a senior government role."
Political and Public Backlash
The backlash extends beyond Liverpool, with three Liverpool MPs—Ian Byrne, Kim Johnson, and Paula Barker—writing to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to express their concerns. Dinsmore's tenure at The Sun included defending controversial practices such as publishing topless photos, which earned him criticism from various quarters. Hacked Off, a campaign group, described his appointment as a "dangerous misjudgment."
The Hillsborough Law: A Lingering Promise
The Hillsborough Law, which aims to establish legal accountability for public disasters, remains a significant issue. Charlotte Hennessey, who lost her father in the tragedy, has been vocal about the need for this legislation. Although Sir Keir Starmer pledged to introduce the law by the 36th anniversary of the disaster, the deadline was missed. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has assured that the legislation will be brought forward once it is deemed ready to deliver justice.
A New Era for Government Communications?
Despite the controversy, Dinsmore's appointment is part of a broader initiative to revamp the government's communication strategy. Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald expressed confidence in Dinsmore's ability to lead the service through a rapidly evolving media landscape. Giles Kenningham, a former Conservative communications chief, noted that Dinsmore faces the challenge of modernizing the government's media channels and improving message delivery.
What this might mean
The appointment of David Dinsmore could lead to increased scrutiny of the government's communication strategies, especially given the sensitivities surrounding The Sun's historical coverage of the Hillsborough disaster. If the Hillsborough Law is successfully introduced, it may help alleviate some of the tensions by providing a framework for accountability in public tragedies. However, failure to address the concerns of survivors and their families could further erode trust in government communications. As Dinsmore steps into his new role, his ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in shaping the future of the UK's media relations.
