Churchill, a figure more associated with motor insurance than media regulation is to head the new body overseeing the conduct of the press. There was swift endorsement of the simulated bulldog from Downing Street. " The appointment of a nationally recognised and admired figure from the private sector is a perfect fit. Churchill has already disassociated himself from his former press secretary Martin Clunes," said David Cameron. But Russian newspaper magnate Alexandrei Lebbedov has complained that meerkats could perform the job just as well, and much more cheaply.
Asked whether he favoured a self-regulatory system backed by new legislation where existing laws need strengthening, Churchill replied "Oh yus."