The Telegraph's editorial position "won't change", Sir David said.

In an interview with the Guardian, Sir David Barclay dismissed talk of rival bids and legal wrangles that could potentially block the takeover.

He insisted the purchase of Hollinger Inc - whose 30% stake in Hollinger International gives it control of the Telegraph - was a "done deal".

Hollinger International is still deciding whether to fight the sale.

It has set up a "corporate review committee", including boardmembers such as former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and senior defence official Richard Perle, to consider its response.

'No change'

The interview with the Guardian had suggested that under the Barclay brothers, the Telegraph might switch from backing the Tories to Labour.

But Sir David later backtracked on the idea.

"To avoid any confusion, we will not change the editorial position of The Daily Telegraph," he said.

Ownership structure The Barclay brothers are buying a 78% stake in Toronto-based Hollinger Inc from Lord Black's holding company Ravelston Hollinger Inc's main asset is a 30% stake in Chicago-based Hollinger International, owner of The Telegraph group Hollinger Inc has 73% of Hollinger International's voting rights, giving it control of the newspaper group as a whole

His statement comes after he was quoted in the Guardian as saying the editorial stance of the traditionally right-wing Telegraph was flexible.

Asked by the Guardian, "Will the Telegraph continue to be the house-organ of the Conservative party," the paper quoted Barclay as saying, "Certainly not."

Emergency

Hollinger International - owner of the Telegraph group - has called an emergency board meeting to discuss whether to oppose the Barclays' £260m bid for its parent company, industry sources say.

Meanwhile, ousted Hollinger chairman Lord Black has reportedly sought an injunction against his own executives to ensure the deal struck with the Barclays will go ahead.

The Channel Islands-based Barclay brothers snatched the Telegraph titles - and other newspapers including the Jerusalem Post and Chicago Sun-Times - from under the nose of rivals following weeks of secret negotiations with Lord Black.

If the deal goes through it could undermine a review of Hollinger International's operations being carried out by Lazards.

The investment bank is talking to potential bidders and is due to make a recommendation in March.

That recommendation was thought likely to entail a sale of the company's newspaper assets, either piecemeal or as a whole.

Tabloid route

But David Barclay told the Guardian that his company's purchase of the Hollinger titles was a "done deal".

He also denied claims he was paying too little for the newspapers and that the deal could be still be scuppered by regulatory problems.

Until recently, it was rare to hear the phrase "Barclay brothers" without the prefix "reclusive" Profile of the Barclay Brothers

He also insisted the brothers, who also own The Scotsman and The Business, would not interfere with the editorial direction of the Telegraph.

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

But he also suggested the Telegraph would not automatically follow the Conservative party line, hinting it might swap allegiances to Labour.

The Scotsman supported Tony Blair at the last general election "and we were happy about that," he said.

He also said he would consider following The Independent and The Times down the tabloid route.

"We would have to go all-tabloid if we did it. And my young family members like tabloids. The broadsheet is associated with an older generation. So we might be forced to do it."

Lavish lifestyle

He denied the Barclays would asset strip the Telegraph, despite his reputation as a cost-cutter.

It has recently been trying to shake off its traditional image as the paper of choice for retired colonels in the home counties Profile of the Daily Telegraph

Lord Black resigned as chief executive of Hollinger International in November after the board uncovered $32m in unauthorised payments to him and other executives.

Lord Black, who was ousted as chairman of the group on Sunday, claims the payments were legitimate.

In a lawsuit brought by Hollinger International, he is accused of bullying minority shareholders and using company cash to fund a lavish lifestyle.

He is also at the centre of an investigation by the US financial watchdog the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

He denies any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile in a further sign of the turmoil enveloping Hollinger Inc, the firm said on Tuesday that a director and member of its audit committee, Andre Bisson, had resigned - just days after joining the board.