Mr Ecotricity is interested in buying The Observer

The Press Gazette has reported that Dale Vince, the energy entrepreneur who founded Stroud-based Ecotricity in 1995, has thrown his hat into the ring to buy The Observer.

In a statement to Press Gazette he said: “I’m a reader and a fan of the Observer and a believer in the need for greater media plurality in Britain.

“We’ve already got too many right-wing media barons (often tax exiles) controlling what people read and hear and ultimately believe. Out of that concern I’ve expressed an interest in the sale of the Observer and discussed the situation with the GMG.

“I understand talks with Tortoise are at an advanced stage and in an exclusive period – I’ve confirmed that should there be a problem concluding that deal I would like to enter negotiations and would be interested in the idea of holding the title in a trust – as currently is the case with the Scott Trust the ultimate owner of the Observer.”