Full Breakdown
Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch’s Greece Trip Funded by News Corp Gifts
By Drooid · · How we work
Meeting with Rupert Murdoch in Athens
On August 24, Kemi Badenoch, her husband Hamish, and shadow minister Alex Burghart travelled to Athens for an off-site meeting with Rupert Murdoch and senior News Corp and News UK executives. The trip was organised and paid for by News Corp UK, the Murdoch family’s media company.
Background and Prior Interactions
Badenoch previously met Murdoch and other News Corp leaders in 2022 while serving as international trade minister. The recent visit followed a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in Italy. Rupert Murdoch stepped down as News Corp chair in 2023, becoming chairman emeritus, with his son Lachlan assuming the chairmanship. Over the years, UK politicians have cultivated relationships with Murdoch’s media empire, a practice highlighted by former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair’s role as godfather to Murdoch’s daughter in 2011.
Financial Details of Gifts
The register of members’ financial interests shows the following declared gifts for Badenoch and her husband: an outbound flight from Rome to Athens and a return flight to London valued at approximately £4,000; ground transportation and transfers costing £1,752.50; and accommodation amounting to £2,425.45. Alex Burghart recorded a separate gift of £4,088.97 covering his own flights, accommodation and transport. For comparison, Prime Minister Andy Burnham listed three Everton Premier League tickets worth £677.34.
Official Response
The statement added that she will continue to advocate for a free and independent press.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kemi was pleased to meet Rupert Murdoch and senior News Corp and News UK executives.” — Badenoch's spokesperson
- “ The spokesperson added: "Kemi values serious engagement with Britain's major media organisations and the people who run them (including at the BBC) and will continue to make the case for a free and independent press.” — The spokesperson
