In April Dorries wrote to both parties saying that she was “minded to” issue an intervention notice on public interest grounds “in particular, the need for, to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable, a sufficient plurality of views in newspapers in each market for newspapers in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom”.
This resulted in further representations from Newsquest and Archant owner RCapital.
In a statement Dorries said: “In light of the new information provided to me by the parties to the merger, I have decided not to intervene in the merger.
“The information provided by the parties addressed my concerns regarding the potential grounds for a public interest intervention, including the need, to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable, for a sufficient plurality of views in newspapers in each market for newspapers in the United Kingdom or a part of the United Kingdom.”
The takeover would result in the two largest local newspaper groups in East Anglia combining.
Dorries could still intervene “if new or additional information comes to my attention”.
Newsquest owns more than 200 news brands, regional magazines and trade publications. Archant’s portfolio of regional newspapers covers Norfolk, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, London and the South East, and the South West. It also publishes more than 50 regional magazines.
Archant closed its Norwich print site in 2019.
Rcapital put up Archant up for sale in January this year, after the group carried out a full company restructure and sold the New European to a consortium.
Dorries has remained loyal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the momentous events of the past week, and is one of fewer than 20 ministers not to resign from their posts.
I’m not sure anyone actually doubted this, however, I am 💯 behind @BorisJohnson the PM who consistently gets all the big decisions right.
— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) July 5, 2022
Since Tuesday evening 59 ministers have resigned, with Johnson forced to say he would resign as Conservative Party leader today (7 July) as a result. He remains PM until a successor is appointed.
