Zac and Jemima Goldsmith in talks to buy the Independent

Zac Goldsmith, the multi-millionaire prospective Tory MP, and his socialite sister Jemima (both pictured), appear to harbour ambitions to become media moguls. The Times reports that the pair came close to buying the Independent this summer after holding talks with its owners, Independent News & Media.

The Goldsmith family's approach (brother Ben was also keen) only broke down when the newspaper's dire financial position became apparent. Sir Anthony O'Reilly, IN&M's chief executive, was aware of the discussions, although it is not thought that they had progressed to the point where a firm offer was made.

Zac Goldsmith, the son of the late financier Sir James Goldsmith (who launched a magazine called Now! in the 1980s), was felt to be a good match for the paper because of his environmental credentials, even if his membership of the Conservatives would have been at odds with the Independent's left-leaning politics.

Although the paper is not officially up for sale, IN&M seem keen to dispose of it. Associated Newspapers, the owners of the Daily Mail, have also shown interest, reportedly offered the IN&M a nominal one pound for the title on account of its less-than-healthy balance sheet.