Scandal rocks Washington Post: New editor faces allegations

The Washington Post has reported that Robert Winnett, set to become its new editor, faces allegations of collaborating with a self-described “blagger” named John Ford during his time at the Sunday Times in the 2000s, according to the Guardian’s report.

Ford admitted to using illicit means to gather information, such as impersonating individuals to obtain private records, which he claims were used in stories Winnett worked on. These stories included topics like a football club takeover, Tony Blair’s finances, and a car manufacturer’s client list.

Ford, known for his unconventional methods including rummaging through bins for information, worked extensively for the Sunday Times until a legal issue in 2010 halted his activities. Despite his controversial methods, Ford asserted his actions were justified by public interest, a defense sometimes accepted in journalism.

The allegations have added to turmoil at the Washington Post, coinciding with internal scrutiny of Winnett’s past reporting practices and the broader challenges facing the newspaper under its new CEO, Will Lewis.