Jeremy Hunt told Parliament in March this year: “at every stage of this process we have sought to be completely transparent, impartial and fair.” Apart from that bit where Cable “declared war”.

At the Lobby briefing this morning Christopher Hope of the Telegraph asked No. 10 whether there had been any inappropriate communication between the Murdochs and Hunt. The reply was “no”. 

This afternoon from we learn that Hunt’s people were sending briefings, updates and supportive words about the bid to Murdoch’s men. The cache of emails will be released at 4pm – there could well be a killer line. Someone who has seen files declares that they are “devastating”. The hunt is on…

UPDATE: Spokesman for PM says he has full confidence in Jeremy Hunt. The hare is running.