Is Geordie Greig going to be the new editor of the Daily Mail?
That seems to be the way to bet, following last night’s news that Paul Dacre is standing down.
Other candidates have been mentioned, but let’s amuse ourselves.
Maybe Tony Gallagher at The Sun will return to the paper he should never have left? The Times’ Emma Tucker could also be in the frame.
The shrewd money would follow those already trusted by the proprietor so that’s why it’s best to look within DMGT, the Mail’s parent company.
It’s widely assumed that Greig, an ambitious man who is unusually civil for an editor, covets the job. It’s also well known that he is close to the Rothermere family, who control DMGT.
Several things may stand in his way. The main issue is surely that while Dacre’s Mail has been a champion of Brexit, his Mail on Sunday has been entirely against it.
So if he moves, he has to flip positions, or the paper does. It would be a reverse ferret of epic proportions.
It is rumoured that Lady Rothermere wants to rebrand the Daily Mail, which may help him somewhat.
But it is also said that Lord R is worried about alienating older, fiercely Tory, readers.
So if not Greig, Martin Clarke from Daily Mail Online –Jurassic Clarke — as some call him, looks favourite.
Industry rumour would have it that Dacre wouldn’t care for either appointment and remains in a strong position to block.
Industry rumour is nearly always wrong though.
