Daily Mail apologises to Jacqui Smith over expenses story

Posted by Dominic Ponsford on 8 December 2009 at 08:44
Tags: Law, National Newspapers, Newspapers

There was a time when getting an apology out of the Daily Mail was like extracting a raise out of a Johnston Press managing director - but libel has become an expensive business and these are straitened times.

Today the Mail issued this apology to former home secretary Jacqui Smith:

“Following a story on Channel 4 News alleging Jacqui Smith was challenging Sir Thomas Legg’s request for repayment of £1,500 expenses, we ran a story saying she was haggling over £500.

“We accept that this was incorrect and that she has repaid all the sum asked except £39.99 for a barbecue she had never claimed for.

“We are sorry we got this wrong and are happy to clarify the facts.”

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