The Matrix Project is an effort to document personal factors that undermine powerful journalists’ claims of objectivity and impartiality. Are factors such as an elite education, establishment connections, personal wealth and interests in rival fields compatible with journalistic integrity? 

This page looks at political editor of the Sun, Harry Cole. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Harry Cole attended the private, fee-paying Tonbridge School then a non-Oxbridge university (source)

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Harry Cole has significant experience in politics. While at Edinburgh University, he held a position in their Conservative Association and launched a blog called Tory Bear (source). Cole was also Vice-President of Scottish Conservative Future and involved with the Conservative Home website (source)

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Harry Cole was romantically involved with Carrie Symonds prior to her marriage to then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson (source)

Cole is a former flatmate and “great friend” of Christian May, whose appointment as political editor of City AM was highly controversial in media circles. May was a former director of controversial Tory party affiliate group, the Young Briton’s Foundation, whose positions include “describing the NHS as the biggest waste of money in the UK, and suggesting that waterboarding prisoners can be justified”. Eyebrows were raised when he was suddenly made a political editor with no journalistic experience. May previously worked for Intelligence Partners, the PR and political consultancy set up by Nick Wood, the former press secretary and media director to Tory party leaders William Hague and Iain Duncan Smith (source 1), (source 2), (source 3)

Secondary

None.

Salary/Indications of Wealth

Learn about the significance of journalists with an unusual level of wealth here

Neither Harry Cole or the Sun have disclosed his annual salary. As political editor he is likely to earn significantly more than the UK national average.

As a point of reference, the Office for National Statistics list the average UK salary for 2021 as £26,193.

Summary

Harry Cole was privately educated, has strong Conservative Party affiliations, clear establishment connections and earns a salary that is likely well in excess of the UK national average.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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