10/07/2009

Coulson 'Will Keep Job', Says Cameron

David Cameron will not sack a top aid at the centre of phone hacking allegations.

The Conservative leader (pictured) reaffirmed his support for former News of the World editor Andy Coulson, who now works as communications director within the Tory party.

Police earlier said they would not be reopening an investigation into alleged phone-tapping carried out while Mr Coulson edited the Sunday tabloid.

Mr Cameron said Mr Coulson's work for the Conservatives was "beyond reproach", adding that the adviser has behaved in a "wholly responsible way" since being appointed.

"The work he has done for me, for the Conservative Party, I think has been completely beyond reproach," said the opposition leader.

Mr Cameron suggested it was right that Mr Coulson had resigned from the red-top tabloid over similar allegations in 2007, but insisted his job at Tory HQ was safe.

A royal reporter was jailed for tapping into the voice mail of staff working for Princes Charles, William and Harry, actions which then-editor Mr Coulson said he was unaware of.

It has already been made clear by Mr Cameron that he believes in "giving people a second chance".

It is believed hundreds, if not thousands, of public figures had their phones bugged by reporters working for the paper, which is owned by media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Among them Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, model Elle McPherson, celebrity publicist Max Clifford and TV presenter Vanessa Fletz.

The News of the World could now be subjected to numerous legal actions over the matter.

However, according to the Metropolitan Police no new evidence has been brought to light by the Guardian's report.

Although the Commons Culture Committee and Press Complaints Commission are now both looking into the allegations.

Some have dismissed the PCC's intervention as non-substantive, as it wields no real power, but MPs could order Mr Coulson to appear before a committee panel.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose phone was allegedly tapped, has written to the Conservative leader listing the bodies currently unsatisified with the News of the World's conduct.

(PR/BMcC)

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