One of the new prospective proprietors of the Telegraph has hinted that the newspaper could shift its political allegiance to the Labour Party.

Interviewed in today's Guardian David Barclay, one of the twins who now control shares in the paper, said it would no longer automatically support Michael Howard.

"In the last election, and I think the one before, the Scotsman supported Blair, and we were very happy about that. Where the government are right, we shall support them," he said.

"We don't interfere. We hope our editors will reflect the feelings of the public".

When asked if this meant that the Telegraph would no longer be the "house organ" of the Conservative Party, Sir David said: "Certainly not."