Ex-Mail on Sunday Editor Denies Misleading Inquiry Amidst Unlawful Information Gathering Claims

Peter Wright, former editor of the Mail on Sunday, has denied allegations that he misled the Leveson inquiry regarding the newspaper’s relationship with private investigators. The claims stem from a lawsuit brought by seven individuals, including Prince Harry, accusing Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) of utilizing unlawful information gathering methods.

High Court Testimony and Allegations

Appearing at the High Court on February 23, 2026, Wright, who led the Mail on Sunday from 1998 to 2012, described some of the accusations – including landline tapping and bugging – as “just incredible.” The Guardian reports that the claimants allege ANL based stories on illegally obtained information.

The lawsuit encompasses a range of alleged unlawful practices, from securing ex-directory phone numbers through private investigators to claims of bugging.

Focus on Steve Whittamore and Invoices

Wright’s testimony centered on his previous evidence to the Leveson inquiry in 2012, specifically concerning the Mail on Sunday’s dealings with Steve Whittamore, a private investigator convicted in 2005. David Sherborne, representing the claimants, questioned Wright about financial records related to Whittamore’s work.

Sherborne presented invoices that detailed activities such as obtaining car registration numbers and unlisted phone numbers, and referenced a “blag” – a term for obtaining information through deception. Wright stated he had not personally reviewed these records during the Leveson inquiry, relying instead on information provided by a managing editor. He further clarified that he only became aware of the detailed invoices recently, noting they were separate from the original payment records.

Sherborne argued that Wright “deliberately gave the inquiry a false impression” regarding the content of the invoices. Wright countered, stating he had only seen the invoice sheets in preparation for the current trial. The Times reported on this exchange.

Allegations of ‘Hangers-On’ and Information Sources

Wright testified that by 2004, he had grown concerned about the use of Whittamore and issued a directive limiting his engagement by Mail on Sunday journalists. He maintained that the newspaper did not engage in phone hacking, landline tapping, or other invasive practices as alleged. He also suggested that stories about celebrities and royals often originated from their social circles – “cronies and hangers-on” – who were eager to share information with journalists. The Telegraph highlighted this point, noting the disclosure of Prince Harry’s relationship with Chelsy Davy originated with staff at an Argentinian ranch.

Concerns Over Leveson Inquiry Relevance

Mr. Justice Nicklin, the presiding judge, expressed concern that accusations of misleading the Leveson inquiry might not be directly relevant to the current case. He indicated a reluctance to rule on the veracity of those accusations, fearing it could be unfair to those involved.

The trial is ongoing.