Guido understands that the investigation into Andrew Pierce over an allegation of sexual assault has been closed. Guido reported last month that two barristers had been appointed by the Daily Mail to investigate the allegation. Amanda Pinto KC, who led the investigation found that the allegation was not made out, therefore Pierce is cleared. Pierce always maintained the allegation was “100% untrue”…

Viewers may have missed their Monday morning dose of Andrew Pierce on Good Morning Britain today, though fear not, as he still co-hosted his Britain’s Newsroom show on GB News this morning.  Pierce’s non-appearance in his usual ITV slot is apparently because he is “taking a two week break” and coincidentally follows Guido’s report that the Daily Mail has appointed a KC to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against the journalist. ITV has reason to be cautious in this situation. Perhaps Pierce really is taking a two week break…

Guido has confirmed rumours circulating that the Daily Mail has appointed two barristers to lead a formal internal investigation into an allegation that Andrew Pierce (62), the paper’s consulting editor and GB News presenter, put his hand down a young journalist’s trousers in May 2022. Andrew Pierce tells Guido the allegation is “100% untrue”.

Amanda Pinto KC, a senior barrister and former Chair of the Bar Council, will lead the investigation. Meantime Andrew Pierce is working as normal.

Guido has contacted the Daily Mail for comment. 

At the time of going to pixel, Andrew Pierce and Bev Turner are still at each other’s throats over the Russell Brand allegations published this weekend. Pierce is absolutely furious at Turner for claiming Brand is a “hero“, and is calling her invitation for Brand to appear on the pair’s GB News show “shameful“. As Guido writes this, he has just called Turner an “idiot“. Watch five minutes of fisticuffs above…

GB News investors have committed to a further £60 million capital injection to accelerate its growth, with existing backers Legatum Ventures Limited and Sir Paul Marshall having bought out Discovery Inc. Co-lead investor Sir Paul says:

“This is more than a financial investment. As investors we’re proud of what GB News doing for media plurality in the UK, bringing fresh perspectives to the national conversation on issues that matter to real Britain.”

GB News CEO Angelos Frangopoulos announced new appointments:

• Camilla Tominey joins in a new senior political presenting role, in addition to her existing position at the Telegraph.
• Andrew Pierce joins with his own show later this year, also continuing his senior editorial position at the Daily Mail
• Michael Portillo joins the channel’s political team and will launch his own new programme in the autumn

So far the GB News formula is beating the TalkTV formula for audience share. The financial backers seem happy…

Big changes afoot over at Northcliffe House as Mail+ – the online branch of the Daily Mail definitely not to be confused with the Mail Online – makes some major changes to cut losses. Guido learns that Michael Crick has gone along with most of their video team being made redundant last month. Editor Gordon Thompson has also left, supposedly of his own accord. It is noticeable that the production of expensive original video content is being dropped at a number of digital media outlets. Clearly Lord Rothermere, like Guido, is unable to figure out how to make news-focused video content commercially viable…

The Mail mole who alerted Guido to the Mail’s de-Cricking also said that, amid rumours of a £20 million loss, Andrew Pierce and Sarah Vine are also facing the loss of their podcasts. No doubt they’ll be relieved not to do them…