Rupert Murdoch on Radio Five Live today

[wendigo100]

He simply likes the fact that he pays very little tax under his New Labour back scratching policy.

I'm saying that he'll get that under any party in power.

[BoredBloke]

Yes but it might be a case of better the devil you know....

In 97 there was a definate feeling that the Tories had to be out and Labour got in. Murdoch simply aligned himself with the expected winners - no doubt after getting assurances that his support would continue to get the same favourable tax treatment. So unless the Tories can muster some kind of momentum then there is nothing in it for Murdoch to change his preferances.

[wendigo100]

He still has to pay NI on salaries of many people his businesses employ - he also has to pay local taxes, rates, compliance with taxes, etc etc.

Fair point, Alexei.

[Gunnery Sergeant Highway]

Oh yes - Self interest. Let he who is not guilty cast the first stone.

I think you just did, Benn0.

So, tell me, have you always arranged your affairs in such a way that you pay the maximum amount of tax possible?

[hyperD]

Agreed. Murdoch, as a business owner, is naturally conservative and has supported the Tories in the 80's when it suited him and is supporting liebour now for the same reasons.

As liebour have pandered to the likes of Murdoch and Leahy, so in turn will they continue to support liebour, until there's a wiff of change in the air and they will simply back the likely winner, as long as they still get their way.

[benn0]

I think you just did, Benn0.

So, tell me, have you always arranged your affairs in such a way that you pay the maximum amount of tax possible?

No, but that isn't the issue. I was responding to the point someone made about Murdoch minimising his tax liability by whatever means possible, when most people on here would do exaclty the same if they were in a similar position. I find this rather hypocritical and typical of most posters on here.

[DodgyAgent]

No, but that isn't the issue. I was responding to the point someone made about Murdoch minimising his tax liability by whatever means possible, when most people on here would do exaclty the same if they were in a similar position. I find this rather hypocritical and typical of most posters on here.

And you wouldnt minimise your tax liabilities?

I thought you had gone

[Spartacus]

No, but that isn't the issue. I was responding to the point someone made about Murdoch minimising his tax liability by whatever means possible, when most people on here would do exaclty the same if they were in a similar position. I find this rather hypocritical and typical of most posters on here.

Oh, I see. So it's alright for you to minimise your tax liabilities but not for anyone else. You are the stone-throwing hypocrite, my little champagne socialist friend.

[wendigo100]

Oh, I see. So it's alright for you to minimise your tax liabilities but not for anyone else. You are the stone-throwing hypocrite, my little champagne socialist friend.

Hang on, I don't think that is where benn0 is coming from. He thinks some OTHER posters here are implicitly criticising Murdoch for pursuing his own interests, when THEY would do exactly the same.

[Spartacus]

Hang on, I don't think that is where benn0 is coming from. He thinks some OTHER posters here are implicitly criticising Murdoch for pursuing his own interests, when THEY would do exactly the same.

But then HE says HE does it as well. Making him a "throw the first stone" hypocrite also.