A Twitter war erupted last night between Andrew Neil, former BSkyB lieutenant and ex-publisher of the Scotsman, and Tim Luckhurst, Professor of Journalism at the University of Kent and a former Scotsman editor.
“When I launched Sky in 1989 the Establishment — Right and Left — said it would fail. Now worth £15bn. Gimme more failures!,” tweeted Neil. Luckhurst replied: “You didn’t create Sky. You didn’t own The Scotsman either. Give credit to the poor sods who did the work.”
“And I made you editor of The Scotsman,” riposted Neil. “Most stupid decision ever. But at least I fired you six days later.”
Luckhurst suggested Neil retract but Neil got personal: “Bring it on. And let me pay to straighten your teeth.” Later he added: “Professor Luckhurst gone v quiet. Maybe consulting lawyers. Hope so. Had enough of his bo***cks.”
The Londoner understands Professor Luckhurst was not “sacked after six days” from the Scotsman, as Neil claims, but resigned due to ill health after four months.
