Just call me daddy...

The Leveson Inquiry is a revealing process; before any judgement is passed the details of the evidence submitted is changing our views on a range of subjects that affect our daily lives. It seems that hourly we are presented with new details that challenge our understanding of the way things actually work in this country.

Maybe to the more cynical and worldly of us there is nothing to even raise an eyebrow but for the majority of people living in the UK these revelations have changed the way we view those we may once have held in respect. And there have been many revelations:

The depths to which some of the press will sink to get a good story.

The intrusive hounding of certain people who find themselves in the public eye.

The manner in which some businesses conduct themselves at senior levels.

The relationship that exists between certain politicians and some of the press.

The relationship that exists between certain police officers and some of the press.

The roles of civil servants.

The quality of independence and impartiality in making a fair and unbiased decision.

The lies that people tell.

The revelation that grabbed my attention today is the news that Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt addressed News Corp lobbyist Fred Michel as "daddy". Some of you might argue that it was used because both men's wives gave birth in the same hospital days apart and the phrase "daddy" sprang from that. However, that was not the only instance.

My understanding of one adult addressing another adult as "daddy", when the other adult is not their father, is one where there is a dominant and submissive relationship involved. That relationship often involves role-play and is sometimes of a sexual nature.

For a British Cabinet Secretary to use the term when addressing a senior representative of a company about which he is making "a fair and unbiased decision"; it surely calls into question the extent to which he is being fair and unbiased.

The arrogance and indignance of those whose behaviour has been exposed by this inquiry (Rebekah Brooks, the Murdochs, Piers Morgan and numerous others) is disgusting. Any pleas for clemency and moderation in their treatment will fall on stony ground and deaf ears as the public become more cynical and worldly because of this inquiry.

Here's a lovely dynamic infographic that explains the network of people involved in the phone hacking scandal; the impetus for the Leveson Inquiry.