Broadcaster Iain Dale has revealed a long-running feud with former Sky News presenter Kay Burley, branding her actions as 'utterly classless' in an exclusive interview. The LBC star, 64, made the comments while promoting his new book, Have I Said Too Much?, on the Daily Express's Expresso podcast.
Feud with Kay Burley and Isabel Oakeshott
Dale confessed that Burley and journalist Isabel Oakeshott are two of the figures named in his book with whom he has 'beef'. He said he tried to be honest without offending too many people, but singled out these two. The original title for the book was A Dish Served Cold, but publishers advised against it, fearing it would make him seem 'horrible'.
Run-ins with Kay Burley
Dale recounted several run-ins with Burley. During one incident, while he was live on air for his LBC Drivetime programme, Burley approached him with a camera, asking why he wasn't at a Sky News debate. Dale replied, 'That's above my pay grade, go and ask my boss. Sod off.'
Another incident occurred during a terror attack when all news channels were covering it except Sky News. Dale made a comment on air about Sky News not covering the attack, which led to a complaint from Sky News head John Ryley. Dale was forced to apologise on air and on Twitter. The next day, Burley displayed Dale's apology tweet on her screen during her Sky News show. Dale said, 'I thought, what a classless thing to do.'
Isabel Oakeshott feud
Dale also accused Oakeshott of trying to ruin his relationship with Lord Ashcroft by claiming he had called Ashcroft a derogatory term. Dale denied using the word, though he admitted using it in the studio about someone else before a show. He called Oakeshott 'duplicitous' and said he felt compelled to include the incident in his book.
Dale's book Have I Said Too Much? is set to be released later this year, promising more revelations about his career and personal clashes.
