The anonymous leaks and tips are certainly starting to flow, but what
this really needs now is some frank public statements by Murdoch family
members. Who will Lachlan grant his first interview to, if anyone?

John
Howard told ABC Victoria this morning that Lachlan’s private discussion
about his reasons for bowing out were entirely consistent with the
public statements. Indeed, but how badly was he side-lined and how
angry is he with his father for tearing up the divorce settlement with
his mother that guaranteed the four adult children got 90% of the $10
billion inheritance.

The family trust has never made a
distribution to the adult children so whilst all of them are nominally
billionaires, they remain relatively cash poor and unable to access
their wealth until their father dies. Given Rupert’s recent efforts,
there could yet be even more children with Wendi Deng that further
reduce their share. Oh dear, what a mess! And what a shame that Murdoch
outlets are not getting stuck into what is a fascinating story.