Andy Coulson served as the Communications Director for British Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010-11. He testified today in London before the Leveson Inquiry to answer questions on his relationship with politicians and his knowledge of phone hacking practices at the now defunct British tabloid, News of the World - where he served as editor from 2003-2007.
Lawyers for the Leveson Inquiry questioned Coulson about the relationship between politics and the media. The panel also focused on the connections between the news organization and P.M. Cameron’s administration.
Several email and text messages between Cameron and Coulson were also discussed, along with details of the close relationships enjoyed by him and several top government officials.
Mr. Coulson spoke about how he saw classified documents under his low-level security clearance and that Cameron vetted him following the phone hacking scandal. He also admitted to having shares while serving as Communications chief.
In 2007, Coulson was appointed as David Cameron's director of communications and continued his work when Cameron became prime minister in May 2010. He then resigned in January 2010 due to pressures associated with the phone-hacking scandal.
Earlier this month, the British Culture, Media and Sport committee released its report on the investigation. The report found that some senior executives at the now-defunct British tabloid News of the World and at News International mislead Parliament. However, the report did not find evidence to suggest James or Rupert Murdoch mislead the committee.
On Friday, Rebekah Brooks, Former News International Chief Executive, will appear before the Leveson Committee.
British Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Lord Justice Leveson to oversee a committee examining the relationship between the press and celebrities, politicians and the police. 250 witnesses have testified before the inquiry, including Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, actor Hugh Grant, and the parents of murdered school girl, Milly Dowler.