Mayor opposes ex-Sun editor's new government job

Steve Rotheram says Liverpool will never forgive The Sun newspaper for its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989

The reported appointment of a former editor of The Sun newspaper to a senior role in government communications has been described as "deeply insensitive" to the people of Liverpool, by the mayor of Liverpool City Region.

Steve Rotheram accused David Dinsmore, who edited the national newspaper from 2013-2015, of leading a paper which "printed falsehoods that caused unimaginable pain" following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

The Sun apologised 23 years later for its front page which made unfounded claims about Liverpool fans in the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident at the FA Cup semi-final, in which 97 supporters died.

The Government Communication Service has been contacted for comment.

Posting on X, Mr Rotheram wrote: "Ordinarily, I wouldn't comment on staffing decisions - especially those involving civil servants who, too often, are subjected to unfair criticism - but given the context, I feel compelled to speak out about the appointment of David Dinsmore."

David Dinsmore edited The Sun newspaper from 2013 to 2015

He added: "For many people in our city, particularly those who fought for justice for the Hillsborough families, this appointment will be seen as a deeply insensitive choice, given the hurt caused to our communities unjustly targeted by that 'newspaper', Rupert Murdoch and his acolytes."

"Liverpool hasn't forgotten. We haven't forgiven. And we never will."

He said the "falsehoods" printed in The Sun prior to Mr Dinsmore's leadership "shouldn't be brushed off as a footnote in his CV".

"There are legitimate questions that deserve answers."

Mr Rotheram asked if the appointment process had been "genuinely open, fair and transparent".

He added: "Were the views and experiences of those affected by that brand of journalism taken into account?"

The metro mayor said he supported the government's ambition "to rebuild trust in politics", but appointments like that of Mr Dinsmore "risk undermining that effort".

"Trust can't be restored by drawing from the same networks that helped erode it."

Ninety seven Liverpool fans died as a result of a catastrophic crush at the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield