Questions for Cameron over News of the World payments to spin doctor

10 April 2012
WEST END FINAL

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David Cameron is facing fresh questions about his judgment after it emerged his former spin doctor was paid by the Murdoch media empire while he worked for the Conservative Party.

Andy Coulson resigned as News of the World editor over phone-hacking in January 2007 but continued to be paid hundreds of thousands of pounds - part of a severance package believed to be worth at least £1.5 million - for several months, including a period when he was the Tory director of communications, the BBC said. The Prime Minister is now likely to face further questions over his recruitment of Mr Coulson.

Mr Coulson's severance payments were staged over 12 months so he continued to be paid by the Murdochs after being recruited by the Tories.

Reports claimed he also received other perks from News International for up to three years after leaving it.

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