And whatever the connections, the stormy present is right to call for correct identification. *Lunatic*, n. One whose delusions are out of fashion.
On a macro level, however, you could probably argue that the editors of the news sections are hired and promoted by the same people who hire & promote the editorial-page editors, so there is likely to be some similarity in their political leanings -- would a raving conservative editor-in-chief who works for a conservative publisher hire a raging liberal as Metro editor? I doubt it.
But on a practical level, no, the editorial board has no control over day-to-day reporting.
