Culture secretary Nadine Dorries has snapped back at criticism of her decision to privatise Channel 4.
Earlier this month, Dorries confirmed that she is pressing ahead with plans to sell off the broadcaster before the next general election - a move that has received widespread backlash from across the media industry.
Writing in a column for the Daily Mail, the politician branded criticism of her decision "ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob".
"Sadly, the reaction was as predictable as it was inflammatory," she wrote. "Few opponents want to engage with the issue of guaranteeing Channel 4's long-term future.
"They're happier sneering, accusing me of not being 'smart enough' to understand Channel 4 or descending into full-on abusive hysteria."
She continued: "Let's dump the lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob and take a cool look at the facts.
"Our independent production companies are flourishing, with only seven per cent of the industry's revenue coming from Channel 4. We made more films in the fourth quarter of 2021 than Hollywood, and dozens of new studios are due to open.
"Channel 4 is a distinct cultural asset which has created some of the best programmes we have ever been lucky enough to watch. But its salad days are in the past.
"It is time to look to a grown-up future against the backdrop of a digital future. We believe we can sell Channel 4 to a buyer who will fund emerging talent, independent and impartial news, and invest in every corner of the UK."
Early potential bidders for the broadcaster are thought to include ITV, Channel 5 owner Paramount, Amazon, Sky owner Comcast and Discovery.
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