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Leveson inquiry: Alastair Campbell, Lord O'Donnell - live Leveson inquiry: Alastair Campbell, Lord O'Donnell - live
(40 minutes later)
12.48pm: O'Donnell is asked about the advice he gave to former prime minister Gordon Brown just before the May 2010 general election on whether there should be an inquiry into phone hacking.
O'Donnell's advice to Brown setting out the options, which was sent to Brown's principal private secretary, Jeremy Heywood, in March 2010, read:
From the limited information available it is doubtful whether this case would merit holding an inquiry under the 2005 act.
Any decision to hold such an inquiry could be challenged by judicial review particularly if the inquiry were extended to the media in general and it is not inconceivable that such a challenge might succeed.
You can read the Guardian's full story on the advice here.
O'Donnell says at that time evidence of widespread phone hacking was limited, there was no all-party support, and the timing, just before a general election, was not ideal. In addition, any such inquiry could have been subject to a judicial review.
He adds:
Well, I would say it's clearly a big potato, if you like to use that phrase. The timing wasn't ideal. If you're going to do this, actually it would be good to have – where stated, all-party agreement, and it would be much better to do that – trying to broker such a thing in the weeks running up to a general election was always going to be very difficult, so I think it's quite got good that we have something set up now with all-party agreement and hopefully when we come to the recommendation stage, you can get all parties to agree to that. I think that will give us something secure and lasting in what is a very, very difficult task, I admit, you have been given."
12.43pm: Jay asks whether there should be further enhancements to the ministerial code in relation to social interactions between ministers and the media.
O'Donnell says his advice to the prime minister was that "the social side does have to be there".
"I would strongly recommend to my successors that in the light of this inquiry whether that requires any amendments to the ministerial code," he adds.
He says that the current cabinet secretary should consider the outcome of the Leveson inquiry and whether to make relevant amendments to the ministerial code.
12.36pm: O'Donnell is asked about the future of press regulation.
He says that the new regulatory body should be chaired by someone independent of the press and with no media background.
Newspaper journalists should use the civil servants' code – emphasising impartiality – when reporting news, he suggests.
The information commissioner could undertake the role of a regulator but would have to be "very significantly enhanced". He says the Information Commissioner's Office is clearly independent and perceived as such.
12.27pm: O'Donnell is asked about the relationship between the press and police.
He says a number of senior police officers were "too close" to members of the media. "I happen to think it's not the right way to operate".
It was quite apparent to me that a number of senior police officers had very strong links with the media, and they were very close, and in my view, I would say too close. Their defence of this was that this was necessary, and this was true of a number of senior police officers. I happen to think it's not the right way to operate.
12.18pm: Lord Justice Leveson turns to the relationship between Jeremy Hunt's special adviser, Adam Smith, and the News Corp lobbyist Fred Michel over the BSkyB bid.12.18pm: Lord Justice Leveson turns to the relationship between Jeremy Hunt's special adviser, Adam Smith, and the News Corp lobbyist Fred Michel over the BSkyB bid.
"It's clear in the special adviser's code that in terms of authorisation ministers should authorise their advisers to do," he says, adding that ministers should make clear what their special advisers should be doing. Leveson: Without making any decisions, because of course you are not there to do that any more, is there any assistance or light that you can shed on how the relationship should have worked, who should have got authority for what and how that should have happened?
Should that be documented? "Not necessarily. These are routine things," he says. O'Donnell: Well, the… I think it's clear in the special advisers' code that in terms of authorisation, ministers should authorise their special advisers as to what they do, for example, with the media. I would have expected the minister to be clear about what he thought his special adviser should be doing. Particularly, I think, the minister and permanent secretary will make clear what the nature of engagement should be in a – if we're going to use the shorthand – quasi-judicial procedure, absolutely.
O'Donnell says that ministers are responsible for ensuring that their special advisers act fairly and that all information about process is being passed to all parties. Leveson: And would you expect that to be documented?
O'Donnell: Not necessarily. I mean, these are fairly regular and routine things. They're slightly different in every particular case. If, for example, you're in … and you're dealing with a planning issue, it's different. If you're dealing with a technical, economic or financial issue, again it's different. So these areas have slightly different aspects to them, but in general, the principles of keeping all parties informed about process is perfectly reasonable, but not getting into substance. I think that's a general accepted principle.
Leveson: Do you have any other observations upon the – not the detailed fact, which I don't think it would be fair to ask you to comment upon – but upon the principles in relation to this particular case?
O'Donnell: I think the principles should be very clear, that it should be made absolutely clear to all concerned that the way they should operate is fairly … talking about process is fine, but you should make sure that the same information is passed on all parties in a case, so that – I mean, this is not least to protect against a future judicial review, so fairness is absolutely crucial to what happened. And – well, that should be at the heart of the whole process, that everyone should be clear that that's the way they should operate.
12.15pm: The Guardian's deputy editor, Ian Katz, has just tweeted:12.15pm: The Guardian's deputy editor, Ian Katz, has just tweeted:
Remarkably shaky answer from normally silky Gus O'Donnell on Coulson (non) vetting at #Leveson. Few points...Remarkably shaky answer from normally silky Gus O'Donnell on Coulson (non) vetting at #Leveson. Few points...
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
1. O'Donnell v uncomfortable whn asked if Coulson's predescessors DV vetted. Claimed hd to work out which previous roles analagous. Nonsense1. O'Donnell v uncomfortable whn asked if Coulson's predescessors DV vetted. Claimed hd to work out which previous roles analagous. Nonsense
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
2. O'Donnell says some prev No 10 press secs were not initially DV vetted but later chose to be.Have heard no evidence of that.2. O'Donnell says some prev No 10 press secs were not initially DV vetted but later chose to be.Have heard no evidence of that.
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
3. GOD says aim wasto to minimise no of people with access to Top Secret papers but Coulson had access to Top Sec papers - without vetting3. GOD says aim wasto to minimise no of people with access to Top Secret papers but Coulson had access to Top Sec papers - without vetting
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
4. O'Donnell says DV process wd not have looked in into hacking - only seeks to establish "if you're blackmailable". Err, contradiction?4. O'Donnell says DV process wd not have looked in into hacking - only seeks to establish "if you're blackmailable". Err, contradiction?
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
5. #Leveson has askd for full record of whether prev press secs DV vetted - big prob now for No 10 if they were. (I know just 1 who wasn't)5. #Leveson has askd for full record of whether prev press secs DV vetted - big prob now for No 10 if they were. (I know just 1 who wasn't)
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
andand
6. Key question now is who was involved in discussions about Coulson's security clearance. #Leveson must call Jeremy Heywood + Ed Llewellyn6. Key question now is who was involved in discussions about Coulson's security clearance. #Leveson must call Jeremy Heywood + Ed Llewellyn
— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012— ian katz (@iankatz1000) May 14, 2012
12.13pm: O'Donnell repeats that it is crucial for the prime minister's press spokesperson to be a civil servant, because they speak on behalf of the government without party political influence.12.13pm: O'Donnell repeats that it is crucial for the prime minister's press spokesperson to be a civil servant, because they speak on behalf of the government without party political influence.
He says:He says:
I think it's really important that the prime minister's official spokesman is a civil servant and that's the clear government line. If there is a desire to get some political spin on that, then you can talk to the special adviser, but everyone knows that what the prime minister's official spokesman says is the government's position and there's no wriggle room.I think it's really important that the prime minister's official spokesman is a civil servant and that's the clear government line. If there is a desire to get some political spin on that, then you can talk to the special adviser, but everyone knows that what the prime minister's official spokesman says is the government's position and there's no wriggle room.
12.11pm: O'Donnell is asked whether he gave any advice to Gordon Brown about his former press secretary Damian McBride when the former Labour leader was prime minister.12.11pm: O'Donnell is asked whether he gave any advice to Gordon Brown about his former press secretary Damian McBride when the former Labour leader was prime minister.
He says:He says:
I did have a conversation with Gordon Brown when he was chancellor by felt that what Damian McBride was getting into as press secretary was in the areas where it would be more appropriate for Damian McBride to be a special adviser than a civil servant and that status change was made.I did have a conversation with Gordon Brown when he was chancellor by felt that what Damian McBride was getting into as press secretary was in the areas where it would be more appropriate for Damian McBride to be a special adviser than a civil servant and that status change was made.
12.00pm: Andy Coulson did not disclose his shareholding in News Corp on his entry into No 10 when he should have done, says O'Donnell.12.00pm: Andy Coulson did not disclose his shareholding in News Corp on his entry into No 10 when he should have done, says O'Donnell.
Coulson signed a disclosure form in May 2010 but did not reveal his shares in News Corp. He told the inquiry last week that he should have declared the shareholding.Coulson signed a disclosure form in May 2010 but did not reveal his shares in News Corp. He told the inquiry last week that he should have declared the shareholding.
He says:He says:
A form was signed, but it didn't disclose the shareholding and it should have done.A form was signed, but it didn't disclose the shareholding and it should have done.
11.58am: O'Donnell says that up to the airline bomb plot the vetting of Coulson "hadn't been an issue" because he was not heavily involved in security issues.11.58am: O'Donnell says that up to the airline bomb plot the vetting of Coulson "hadn't been an issue" because he was not heavily involved in security issues.
Developed vetting takes a while, O'Donnell says, and it was felt "given Mr Coulson's interests" that general security clearance was sufficient.Developed vetting takes a while, O'Donnell says, and it was felt "given Mr Coulson's interests" that general security clearance was sufficient.
O'Donnell says that developed vetting is whether you are "blackmailable" and personal finance issues.O'Donnell says that developed vetting is whether you are "blackmailable" and personal finance issues.
He adds:He adds:
It wouldn't have gone into enormous detail about phone hacking, for example.It wouldn't have gone into enormous detail about phone hacking, for example.
He says he is aware of the danger of leaks, adding:He says he is aware of the danger of leaks, adding:
When people say to me, 'do you know how many people there are DVed?' I say 'actually we should look at that and keep it as tight as we need to.' So these should be on a need-to-know basis. So I think I do have a bias towards trying to keep the numbers low.When people say to me, 'do you know how many people there are DVed?' I say 'actually we should look at that and keep it as tight as we need to.' So these should be on a need-to-know basis. So I think I do have a bias towards trying to keep the numbers low.
11.51am: Jay turns to Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and director of communications to David Cameron until July 2011.11.51am: Jay turns to Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and director of communications to David Cameron until July 2011.
On the vetting process, O'Donnell says Coulson was cleared to SC (or "security clearance") level, which allowed him access to secret papers but not to the higher DV (or "developed vetting") level, which was necessary for regular access to top-secret documents.On the vetting process, O'Donnell says Coulson was cleared to SC (or "security clearance") level, which allowed him access to secret papers but not to the higher DV (or "developed vetting") level, which was necessary for regular access to top-secret documents.
He says only a small number of people in No 10 were vetted to DV level. However, he says that Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's director of communications, probably was cleared to this level.He says only a small number of people in No 10 were vetted to DV level. However, he says that Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's director of communications, probably was cleared to this level.
11.49am: O'Donnell says there is a "need in the whole process to show absence of bias or perception of bias".11.49am: O'Donnell says there is a "need in the whole process to show absence of bias or perception of bias".
Ministers must be subject to "very careful rules about process" when ruling on business deals, he says.Ministers must be subject to "very careful rules about process" when ruling on business deals, he says.
11.48am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:11.48am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has just tweeted:
O'donnell written statement: need to find better ways of policing the compliance of special advisers with their code #LevesonO'donnell written statement: need to find better ways of policing the compliance of special advisers with their code #Leveson
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) May 14, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) May 14, 2012
11.48am: O'Donnell says elected politicians are best placed to rule on big business transactions, including media mergers, rather than a judge.11.48am: O'Donnell says elected politicians are best placed to rule on big business transactions, including media mergers, rather than a judge.
He says ministers should be entirely open about how they dealt with the bid and why they made decisions at every step.He says ministers should be entirely open about how they dealt with the bid and why they made decisions at every step.
11.44am: O'Donnell gave the green light for Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, to be given responsibility for the News Corp-BSkyB bid when it was removed from Vince Cable, the business secretary, following his comments about Rupert Murdoch.11.44am: O'Donnell gave the green light for Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, to be given responsibility for the News Corp-BSkyB bid when it was removed from Vince Cable, the business secretary, following his comments about Rupert Murdoch.
The prime minister asked O'Donnell whether there was "any legal impediment to moving it to Mr Hunt", says Robert Jay QC.The prime minister asked O'Donnell whether there was "any legal impediment to moving it to Mr Hunt", says Robert Jay QC.
O'Donnell says he received legal advice and told the prime minister he was "satisfied those statements [on Hunt's personal website in support of Murdoch] do not amount to a pre-judgment of the case in question".O'Donnell says he received legal advice and told the prime minister he was "satisfied those statements [on Hunt's personal website in support of Murdoch] do not amount to a pre-judgment of the case in question".
11.37am: O'Donnell explains that the prime minister has a number of press secretaries and advisers in No 10, but most are senior civil servants. Only Craig Oliver, the prime minister's current director of communications, is technically a special adviser on the media.11.37am: O'Donnell explains that the prime minister has a number of press secretaries and advisers in No 10, but most are senior civil servants. Only Craig Oliver, the prime minister's current director of communications, is technically a special adviser on the media.
He says that the shift to special advisers with a media rather than a policy background is regrettable. He cites Ed Balls as a former special adviser who was a trained economist and so on top of his subject.He says that the shift to special advisers with a media rather than a policy background is regrettable. He cites Ed Balls as a former special adviser who was a trained economist and so on top of his subject.
11.28am: The inquiry has resumed and O'Donnell is asked about the appointment of Alastair Campbell as Tony Blair's director of communications in 1997.11.28am: The inquiry has resumed and O'Donnell is asked about the appointment of Alastair Campbell as Tony Blair's director of communications in 1997.
Campbell was given the power to direct civil servants below him, according the Robert Jay QC. O'Donnell says: "I didn't think this was a good idea and I was glad when it was abandoned" because it gave the perception that impartial civil servants could be influenced politically.Campbell was given the power to direct civil servants below him, according the Robert Jay QC. O'Donnell says: "I didn't think this was a good idea and I was glad when it was abandoned" because it gave the perception that impartial civil servants could be influenced politically.
Now, the prime minister's director of communications has no power to direct civil servants.Now, the prime minister's director of communications has no power to direct civil servants.
11.18am: The inquiry is now taking a short break.11.18am: The inquiry is now taking a short break.
11.17am: O'Donnell is asked about the role of special advisers.11.17am: O'Donnell is asked about the role of special advisers.
He suggests that a rule requiring special advisers to work in the coalition government's interest will become strained towards the end of parliament.He suggests that a rule requiring special advisers to work in the coalition government's interest will become strained towards the end of parliament.
Special advisers are able to represent ministers' views to the media, according to the special advisers' code as read by Robert Jay QC.Special advisers are able to represent ministers' views to the media, according to the special advisers' code as read by Robert Jay QC.
O'Donnell says in his witness statement that when special advisers have to resign it is usually because they became a bigger story than the minister they represent.O'Donnell says in his witness statement that when special advisers have to resign it is usually because they became a bigger story than the minister they represent.
11.12am: O'Donnell is asked about an amendment to the ministerial code on meetings with the media he recommended in July 2011.11.12am: O'Donnell is asked about an amendment to the ministerial code on meetings with the media he recommended in July 2011.
Does this include social interactions?Does this include social interactions?
Yes, O'Donnell says, lunches should be included. "It goes back to not just the reality but the perceptions," he says.Yes, O'Donnell says, lunches should be included. "It goes back to not just the reality but the perceptions," he says.
Leveson asks if there needs to be further clarity about the category of these meetings, ie is "general discussion" transparent?Leveson asks if there needs to be further clarity about the category of these meetings, ie is "general discussion" transparent?
O'Donnell suggests there should be greater disclosure of the detail of these meetings, but warns that this throws up questions of whether notes from these meetings are subject to freedom of information requests.O'Donnell suggests there should be greater disclosure of the detail of these meetings, but warns that this throws up questions of whether notes from these meetings are subject to freedom of information requests.
11.09am: BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins has just tweeted:11.09am: BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins has just tweeted:
Cons MP Chris Heaton-Harris dubs #leveson Inquiry "pathetic Westminster village navel gazing"Cons MP Chris Heaton-Harris dubs #leveson Inquiry "pathetic Westminster village navel gazing"
— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) May 14, 2012— Ross Hawkins (@rosschawkins) May 14, 2012
11.02am: O'Donnell says it would be "disproportionate" to record all details of meetings between politicians and journalists – these conversations are the "basic lifeblood" of media and politics, he says – so he sets the bar at editors and proprietors.11.02am: O'Donnell says it would be "disproportionate" to record all details of meetings between politicians and journalists – these conversations are the "basic lifeblood" of media and politics, he says – so he sets the bar at editors and proprietors.
"These should be noted in a transparent way, but they shouldn't be stopped," he adds."These should be noted in a transparent way, but they shouldn't be stopped," he adds.
O'Donnell says that if a minister is personal friends with an editor he would urge transparency over their meetings and caution over what they discuss.O'Donnell says that if a minister is personal friends with an editor he would urge transparency over their meetings and caution over what they discuss.
10.58am: Jay turns to the ministerial code, which O'Donnell agrees is "a series of high-level principles rather than strict rules".10.58am: Jay turns to the ministerial code, which O'Donnell agrees is "a series of high-level principles rather than strict rules".
O'Donnell says ministers take the code very seriously. He says, over history, "amazing conflicts" have been allowed to place.O'Donnell says ministers take the code very seriously. He says, over history, "amazing conflicts" have been allowed to place.
Here is the ministerial code that O'Donnell is discussing.Here is the ministerial code that O'Donnell is discussing.
O'Donnell says he recommended changes to the code in a bid for transparency over ministers' meetings with media proprietors and editors.O'Donnell says he recommended changes to the code in a bid for transparency over ministers' meetings with media proprietors and editors.
"The whole principle behind this was err on the side of caution," he says."The whole principle behind this was err on the side of caution," he says.
10.51am: O'Donnell is asked about self-regulation of the press.10.51am: O'Donnell is asked about self-regulation of the press.
He says phone hacking has "dented the public perception" of self-regulation and that the PCC "didn't solve the problems; didn't foresee them" and "in a sense, there was no regulator" because it did not see itself as one.He says phone hacking has "dented the public perception" of self-regulation and that the PCC "didn't solve the problems; didn't foresee them" and "in a sense, there was no regulator" because it did not see itself as one.
10.50am: O'Donnell says he agrees with David Cameron that relationships between proprietors and top politicians got too close.10.50am: O'Donnell says he agrees with David Cameron that relationships between proprietors and top politicians got too close.
He is asked about special advisers.He is asked about special advisers.
O'Donnell says that special advisers often have a media or PR background and he believes some of them may leak or spin stories to newspapers.O'Donnell says that special advisers often have a media or PR background and he believes some of them may leak or spin stories to newspapers.
10.46am: O'Donnell asks for the inquiry to explore the potential for separating news and comment in newspapers; he says these two are "much more mixed up than I think it should be".10.46am: O'Donnell asks for the inquiry to explore the potential for separating news and comment in newspapers; he says these two are "much more mixed up than I think it should be".
Lord Justice Leveson asks whether it is tenable for broadcasters to remain impartial.Lord Justice Leveson asks whether it is tenable for broadcasters to remain impartial.
O'Donnell says any regulation of the media should "look at" all media, including broadcasters and newspapers, because to do otherwise would "create incentives" for the different mediums.O'Donnell says any regulation of the media should "look at" all media, including broadcasters and newspapers, because to do otherwise would "create incentives" for the different mediums.
"Do the readers understand that they are actually subject to different sets of regulation?" asks O'Donnell. He is worried that specific legislation to cover the media would cover today's technology, but adds that it is very complex "which is why we have such an eminent inquiry...""Do the readers understand that they are actually subject to different sets of regulation?" asks O'Donnell. He is worried that specific legislation to cover the media would cover today's technology, but adds that it is very complex "which is why we have such an eminent inquiry..."
"Don't start," interrupts Leveson, to laughter."Don't start," interrupts Leveson, to laughter.
10.39am: O'Donnell is asked about the perceived closeness between newspaper proprietors and top politicians.10.39am: O'Donnell is asked about the perceived closeness between newspaper proprietors and top politicians.
"The degree of relationships increased through time, there's no doubt about that," he says. "But I am not aware of anything … where I think something happened that shouldn't have done.""The degree of relationships increased through time, there's no doubt about that," he says. "But I am not aware of anything … where I think something happened that shouldn't have done."
O'Donnell says it is in politicians' "strong interests" to talk to editors and proprietors to explain policies and attempt to win their support.O'Donnell says it is in politicians' "strong interests" to talk to editors and proprietors to explain policies and attempt to win their support.
"As long as you have newspapers which are allowed to strongly support political parties … that relationship is going to continue.""As long as you have newspapers which are allowed to strongly support political parties … that relationship is going to continue."
O'Donnell says he would like to see a shift to a US model for newspapers, which largely separate "pretty straight" news stories from editorial opinion.O'Donnell says he would like to see a shift to a US model for newspapers, which largely separate "pretty straight" news stories from editorial opinion.
10.34am: O'Donnell opposed televising lobby briefings because he believed that would turn the press secretary into a public figure.10.34am: O'Donnell opposed televising lobby briefings because he believed that would turn the press secretary into a public figure.
He describes "the dark arts" as when politicians would spin policies to suit a particular newspapers. He says the lobby briefing was meant to be a "definitive guide" to policies to "keep the system honest".He describes "the dark arts" as when politicians would spin policies to suit a particular newspapers. He says the lobby briefing was meant to be a "definitive guide" to policies to "keep the system honest".
10.32am: Jay asks if Major was obsessed with press coverage.10.32am: Jay asks if Major was obsessed with press coverage.
Major felt "quite strongly that it was important that the press should be accurate," O'Donnell says. "He took a keen interest".Major felt "quite strongly that it was important that the press should be accurate," O'Donnell says. "He took a keen interest".
O'Donnell adds that Major "got particularly upset" when subject to criticism of a personal nature and once sued the New Statesman over "incorrect statements," he says.O'Donnell adds that Major "got particularly upset" when subject to criticism of a personal nature and once sued the New Statesman over "incorrect statements," he says.
10.28am: Jay asks about Lord O'Donnell's time as press secretary for John Major during his prime ministership, between 1990 and 1997.10.28am: Jay asks about Lord O'Donnell's time as press secretary for John Major during his prime ministership, between 1990 and 1997.
O'Donnell says his job was to make sure all newspapers were represented in the lobby system, following the Guardian and Independent's exit under his predecessor Sir Bernard Ingham.O'Donnell says his job was to make sure all newspapers were represented in the lobby system, following the Guardian and Independent's exit under his predecessor Sir Bernard Ingham.
He was the impartial explainer of government policy he says, adding that he does not believe the election of John Major in 1992 was influenced by the press.He was the impartial explainer of government policy he says, adding that he does not believe the election of John Major in 1992 was influenced by the press.
10.24am: Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, has taken the witness stand.10.24am: Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, has taken the witness stand.
Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is doing the questioning.Robert Jay QC, counsel to the inquiry, is doing the questioning.
10.20am: Davies says there was "no express deal, no implied deal either" for the Times takeover. "To call this thesis speculation is to use too dignified a term," he says.10.20am: Davies says there was "no express deal, no implied deal either" for the Times takeover. "To call this thesis speculation is to use too dignified a term," he says.
Davies adds that it is "against the rules" for Jay to accuse Murdoch of selective amnesia after – and not during – the News Corp boss had given evidence.Davies adds that it is "against the rules" for Jay to accuse Murdoch of selective amnesia after – and not during – the News Corp boss had given evidence.
"There is no basis for Mr Jay's delayed airing of doubts over [Murdoch's] credibility," he says."There is no basis for Mr Jay's delayed airing of doubts over [Murdoch's] credibility," he says.
Davies has now finished the News International statement.Davies has now finished the News International statement.
10.17am: Davies says that Jay claimed deals were done using "finely tuned antennae" and "this is the stuff of fantasy".10.17am: Davies says that Jay claimed deals were done using "finely tuned antennae" and "this is the stuff of fantasy".
"Documentary evidence does not support any thesis that the rules were bent … Deals cannot be done on telepathy," he says."Documentary evidence does not support any thesis that the rules were bent … Deals cannot be done on telepathy," he says.
Murdoch did not ask Thatcher to cut any corners for him over the Times deal, he adds.Murdoch did not ask Thatcher to cut any corners for him over the Times deal, he adds.
10.09am: News International is making an opening statement about module three, the inquiry probe into relations between press and police.10.09am: News International is making an opening statement about module three, the inquiry probe into relations between press and police.
Rhodri Davies, the News International counsel, is on his feet.Rhodri Davies, the News International counsel, is on his feet.
Davies criticises the inquiry's lead counsel, Robert Jay QC, for implying in his statement that there was a "sinister" relationship between News International and politicians. He says this is "quite wrong" and newspapers are perfectly entitled to support politicians if they agree with them.Davies criticises the inquiry's lead counsel, Robert Jay QC, for implying in his statement that there was a "sinister" relationship between News International and politicians. He says this is "quite wrong" and newspapers are perfectly entitled to support politicians if they agree with them.
"The problem comes when proprietors prostitute their papers," he adds."The problem comes when proprietors prostitute their papers," he adds.
Davies says it seemed at times from Jay's opening statement that it was "discreditable to own or edit the Sun".Davies says it seemed at times from Jay's opening statement that it was "discreditable to own or edit the Sun".
10.05am: The inquiry has begun.10.05am: The inquiry has begun.
Lord Justice Leveson opens by turning to the Independent on Sunday's story about Andy Coulson on 6 May.Lord Justice Leveson opens by turning to the Independent on Sunday's story about Andy Coulson on 6 May.
Leveson says he will publish later today a detailed ruling in relation to this incident. He will not take action under section 36 of the Inquiries Act.Leveson says he will publish later today a detailed ruling in relation to this incident. He will not take action under section 36 of the Inquiries Act.
However, he warns anyone considering publishing material not yet heard by the inquiry to read the judgment very carefully.However, he warns anyone considering publishing material not yet heard by the inquiry to read the judgment very carefully.
10.04am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:10.04am: The Guardian's Dan Sabbagh has just tweeted:
NewsInt going to make opening statement to Leveson this am, big legal guns present, so expect something interesting..NewsInt going to make opening statement to Leveson this am, big legal guns present, so expect something interesting..
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) May 14, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) May 14, 2012
9.56am: Here's how the Guardian's Stephen Bates described Campbell's evidence before the Leveson inquiry in November:9.56am: Here's how the Guardian's Stephen Bates described Campbell's evidence before the Leveson inquiry in November:
He was determined to have his day in court and, for three hours, he had it entirely on his own terms, to settle scores and disdain his former trade. "I have a very, very thick skin," he told the inquiry, demonstrating perhaps the opposite. "I frankly have reached the point where I genuinely don't care what the papers say about me at all. I have never sued a paper … most of the bile, I couldn't give a damn."He was determined to have his day in court and, for three hours, he had it entirely on his own terms, to settle scores and disdain his former trade. "I have a very, very thick skin," he told the inquiry, demonstrating perhaps the opposite. "I frankly have reached the point where I genuinely don't care what the papers say about me at all. I have never sued a paper … most of the bile, I couldn't give a damn."
The press was relentlessly negative, its agendas swamped its news-gathering, its journalists invented quotes and made up stories: "This is routine, this is endemic. The attitude is, 'How do we turn this to fit what we think of the world?' If the public knew the truth about the way certain sections of the media operate, it would be absolutely horrified."The press was relentlessly negative, its agendas swamped its news-gathering, its journalists invented quotes and made up stories: "This is routine, this is endemic. The attitude is, 'How do we turn this to fit what we think of the world?' If the public knew the truth about the way certain sections of the media operate, it would be absolutely horrified."
Campbell produced a 55-page witness statement, detailing some of the horrors, but a draft had already been leaked on the web. "I think British journalism is the best in the world and the worst in the world, sometimes in the same edition. I do defend a free press, but this press is barely worth defending."Campbell produced a 55-page witness statement, detailing some of the horrors, but a draft had already been leaked on the web. "I think British journalism is the best in the world and the worst in the world, sometimes in the same edition. I do defend a free press, but this press is barely worth defending."
He turned his ire especially on Paul Dacre, editor of the Daily Mail. This was Campbell in St Sebastian mode, assailed by lies and smears by a newspaper constructed entirely in its editor's image. The Mail had only printed a correction after it reported his father had died, when he was demonstrably still alive.He turned his ire especially on Paul Dacre, editor of the Daily Mail. This was Campbell in St Sebastian mode, assailed by lies and smears by a newspaper constructed entirely in its editor's image. The Mail had only printed a correction after it reported his father had died, when he was demonstrably still alive.
You can read the full article here.You can read the full article here.
9.52am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.9.52am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog.
Today Alastair Campbell, former director of communications and strategy for Tony Blair, gives evidence for a second time.Today Alastair Campbell, former director of communications and strategy for Tony Blair, gives evidence for a second time.
In November, Campbell typically pulled no punches at the inquiry, describing a "frankly putrid" press with some sections "barely worth defending". His targets included Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and his former employer the Daily Mirror, which he accused of hiring private eyes to investigate him and Peter Mandelson.In November, Campbell typically pulled no punches at the inquiry, describing a "frankly putrid" press with some sections "barely worth defending". His targets included Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and his former employer the Daily Mirror, which he accused of hiring private eyes to investigate him and Peter Mandelson.
He is expected to be similarly forthright today as he is questioned about his relationship with journalists as Tony Blair's press chief and his role in persuading Rupert Murdoch's Sun to back Labour at the 1997 general election.He is expected to be similarly forthright today as he is questioned about his relationship with journalists as Tony Blair's press chief and his role in persuading Rupert Murdoch's Sun to back Labour at the 1997 general election.
Also giving evidence is Lord O'Donnell, who as Sir Gus O'Donnell was cabinet secretary for three prime ministers from 2005 to 2011.Also giving evidence is Lord O'Donnell, who as Sir Gus O'Donnell was cabinet secretary for three prime ministers from 2005 to 2011.
In No 10, O'Donnell was responsible for ensuring ministers' advisers had the correct security clearance, and he is likely to be asked why former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was only given mid-level SC clearance and whether he had access to top secret papers.In No 10, O'Donnell was responsible for ensuring ministers' advisers had the correct security clearance, and he is likely to be asked why former News of the World editor Andy Coulson was only given mid-level SC clearance and whether he had access to top secret papers.
O'Donnell is also expected to be asked whether he persuaded Gordon Brown not to set up a phone-hacking inquiry before the last general election.O'Donnell is also expected to be asked whether he persuaded Gordon Brown not to set up a phone-hacking inquiry before the last general election.
Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.Please note that comments have been switched off for legal reasons.