London police chief Paul Stephenson resigned Sunday over his ties to a former News of the World executive editor who has been arrested over a scandal involving allegations that News Corp investigators illegally wiretapped and hacked into the phone lines of celebrities, politicians and private citizens to gain an unfair news advantage. In his resignation speech Stephenson made pointed reference to UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s hiring of Andy Coulson, a former editor of the shuttered tabloid who was arrested earlier this month over hacking.
Stephenson said he wanted his police force to focus on preparing for the 2012 London Olympics instead of wondering about a possible leadership change. “I had no knowledge of the extent of this disgraceful practice and the repugnant nature of the selection of victims that is now emerging,” Stephenson said. “I will not lose any sleep over my personal integrity.”
Rupert Murdoch’s former British CEO – and Cameron’s friend – Rebekah Brooks, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of hacking. Often described as a surrogate daughter to the 80-year-old Murdoch, Brooks brought the British police investigations into the media baron’s inner circle for the first time. She was released on bail some 12 hours later, Scotland Yard announced early Monday.
Brooks, the ultimate social and political insider, dined at Christmas with Cameron, and his Conservative-led government is now facing increasing questions about its relationship with Murdoch’s media empire.
Cameron said his government had “taken very decisive action” by setting up a judge-led inquiry into wrongdoing by the newspaper.