By Financial Mail on Sunday Reporter
Alexander Lebedev, the Russian owner of The Independent newspaper, has decided to abandon politics in Russia, saying he wishes to concentrate on his family life.
The 55-year-old tycoon, a long-standing business partner and political ally of former Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, has held a seat in Russia’s state Duma.
He once ran for election as mayor of Moscow and also attempted to stand for the post of mayor of Sochi, location of the Winter Olympics.
Lebedev is seen by some as the tolerated opposition to Vladimir Putin, but his businesses have been targeted by the authorities. Lebedev has consistently argued that raids on his offices are politically motivated.
The billionaire has three small children, while his eldest son Evgeny owns the London Evening Standard newspaper.
