Menu
23/08/2011
Labour Call For Clarity Over Coulson
A Labour party MP has called for transparency from both the Prime Minister and News International after allegations emerged on Tuesday over 'severance payments' made to former editor Andy Coulson.
The BBC revealed on Tuesday morning that Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was paid by the paper's parent company while working as the Tories' spokesman.
The allegations made today suggest that Rupert Murdoch's News International (NI) paid the Conservatives' former communications director several hundred thousand dollars and continued his access to healthcare.
Mr Coulson was arrested on suspicion of phone hacking earlier this year.
Speaking on Tuesday, Labour's Shadow Culture Secretary, Ivan Lewis MP, said the time for transparency was "long overdue" from both David Cameron and NI.
"The details of Mr Coulson’s termination agreements with News International must be published and we need to know whether these payments, in the form of honouring a two-year contract of employment after he had been forced to resign in disgrace, were declared to the parliamentary authorities."
Mr Lewis said it must be explained why Mr Coulson was getting the payments when he resigned from the News of the World and that it was also essential that Mr Cameron came clean about what role former NI Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks played in Andy Coulson’s decision to resign from Downing street.
"The longer these questions are unanswered the more damage will be done to the Prime Minister’s reputation," Mr Lewis added.
Mr Coulson was hired by the Conservative party in July 2007 for a reported salary of £275,000.
(DW)
The BBC revealed on Tuesday morning that Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was paid by the paper's parent company while working as the Tories' spokesman.
The allegations made today suggest that Rupert Murdoch's News International (NI) paid the Conservatives' former communications director several hundred thousand dollars and continued his access to healthcare.
Mr Coulson was arrested on suspicion of phone hacking earlier this year.
Speaking on Tuesday, Labour's Shadow Culture Secretary, Ivan Lewis MP, said the time for transparency was "long overdue" from both David Cameron and NI.
"The details of Mr Coulson’s termination agreements with News International must be published and we need to know whether these payments, in the form of honouring a two-year contract of employment after he had been forced to resign in disgrace, were declared to the parliamentary authorities."
Mr Lewis said it must be explained why Mr Coulson was getting the payments when he resigned from the News of the World and that it was also essential that Mr Cameron came clean about what role former NI Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks played in Andy Coulson’s decision to resign from Downing street.
"The longer these questions are unanswered the more damage will be done to the Prime Minister’s reputation," Mr Lewis added.
Mr Coulson was hired by the Conservative party in July 2007 for a reported salary of £275,000.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2012
Former NOTW Editor Wins Right To Appeal Over Legal Costs
Permission has be given for former News of the World editor Andy Coulson to appeal a high court ruling that News International is not liable to pay his potential legal fees over the phone-hacking scandal.
Former NOTW Editor Wins Right To Appeal Over Legal Costs
Permission has be given for former News of the World editor Andy Coulson to appeal a high court ruling that News International is not liable to pay his potential legal fees over the phone-hacking scandal.
24 June 2014
Andy Coulson Found Guilty Of Phone Hacking
Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, has been found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones. Rebekah Brooks was also on trial, however she was cleared of all charges. Coulson and Brooks, a former News International chief executive, were among seven defendants on trial at the Old Bailey.
Andy Coulson Found Guilty Of Phone Hacking
Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, has been found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones. Rebekah Brooks was also on trial, however she was cleared of all charges. Coulson and Brooks, a former News International chief executive, were among seven defendants on trial at the Old Bailey.
03 June 2015
Andy Coulson Cleared Of Perjury
Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, has been cleared of committing perjury. He was cleared while giving evidence in the 2010 trial of ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan. Coulson, 47, was alleged to have lied about his knowledge of phone hacking at the former publication.
Andy Coulson Cleared Of Perjury
Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor, has been cleared of committing perjury. He was cleared while giving evidence in the 2010 trial of ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan. Coulson, 47, was alleged to have lied about his knowledge of phone hacking at the former publication.
27 September 2012
Phone-Hacking Claimants Dropped Exemplary Damages Claim
More than 170 alleged victims of phone-hacking, including Cherie Blair and Wayne Rooney, have dropped their claim for exemplary damages as News International accused them of seeking "windfall" payouts.
Phone-Hacking Claimants Dropped Exemplary Damages Claim
More than 170 alleged victims of phone-hacking, including Cherie Blair and Wayne Rooney, have dropped their claim for exemplary damages as News International accused them of seeking "windfall" payouts.
14 June 2012
David Cameron Appears At Leveson Inquiry
Prime Minister David Cameron is today appearing in front of the ongoing Leveson Inquiry. Describing the 24-hour news agenda as "a permanent battle", the PM said theat politicians should pull back from it or risk getting "buried". He also told the Leveson Inquiry the relationship between the press and politicians had gone "bad".
David Cameron Appears At Leveson Inquiry
Prime Minister David Cameron is today appearing in front of the ongoing Leveson Inquiry. Describing the 24-hour news agenda as "a permanent battle", the PM said theat politicians should pull back from it or risk getting "buried". He also told the Leveson Inquiry the relationship between the press and politicians had gone "bad".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
