Evgeny Lebedev 'secure' in contact with politicians

The chairman of the Independent and Evening Standard, Evgeny Lebedev, supported calls for "greater transparency" in interactions between politicians and the owners of news outlets and their editors, adding he would be happy with the fact meetings have taken place to be recorded.

In evidence to the Leveson inquiry Lebedev said politicians and media proprietors "occupy the same sphere of existence" and as such he does not see a problem with contact between the two parties.

He added that "problems begin" when attempts are made for power to be exerted in a bid to try to influence policy.

"I've never attempted to do that", he told the inquiry.

In his written statement to the inquiry Lebedev said he is "confident and secure enough in my reasons for meeting politicians to carry on the way I have been for some time".

But he said he would be "happy for all meetings between proprietors and politicians, and editors and politicians, to be publicly declared", although felt "it would be impractical for all meetings between journalists and politicians to be recorded".

"None of this would greatly affect my own conduct", he added.

But he added that the recording of further detail beyond fact a meeting took place may not be warranted, and that in his case there may be occasions when there "may be sensitive issues back home that I wouldn't want to be on record".

When asked specifically about his relationship with London mayor Boris Johnson, Lebedev said he would consider him a friend, and sees him every three or four months. He said he interacts with him socially as well as to learn about London-related issues.

Lebedev said he has also met mayoral candidate Brian Paddick, to try to "understand what he's proposing to do for London". Lebedev told the inquiry he has also met Gordon Brown and has met David Cameron four times, once since he become prime minister.

Later in his evidence Lebedev warned that there is a "danger of building a society where every element of democracy becomes too feeble".

"If the press also becomes feeble then what we get is tyranny of consensus," he added.

"Every one is afraid and has to check twice before the step they make, the comment they make.

"One of the extraordinary things about this country is it has a very robust and diverse press, this has to be protected. Those who committed crimes should be punished but I think the robustness of this press should be protected otherwise."

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