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Insiders predict Andy Coulson is not long for this world

As the home affairs select committee announces a fresh inquiry, observers say it is a question of wh

By James Macintyre Published 07 September 2010 17:23

Much to the anger of Tory high command, the Andy Coulson story has been given fresh "legs" this afternoon with the news that the home affairs select committee will investigate the affair. The inquiry follows that by the culture committee.

The home affairs committee says the inquiry will focus on:

* The definition of the offences relating to unauthorised tapping or hacking in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, and the ease of prosecuting such offences; and
* The police response to such offences, especially the treatment of those whose communications have been intercepted; and
* What the police are doing to control such offences

It is fair to say that David Cameron's communications chief is now well and truly a story. Some argue that Cameron would benefit by cutting him loose sooner rather than later. One Tory observer pointed out that it is a "no win" situation because, while wrongdoing may be hard to prove, it is also impossible for Coulson to be comprehensively cleared of knowing about phone tapping at his former paper the News of the World. A separate insider today predicted that he would go "in six months or so" and that the departure would be portrayed as having nothing to do with this affair. But that was before the latest development.

UPDATE: Westminster rumour has it that several more senior politicians are set to come forward with claims their phones have been tapped.

More from James Macintyre

View the discussion thread.

15 comments

Wed, 2010-09-08 10:21 — Colin Talbot (not verified)

Surely the real issue about Mr Coulson is not that he probably did know about the hacking, but that he is in Government representing the supposed 'new politics'. In what way is his role, or background, any different to that of Alistair Campbell? Why do you need a spin doctor, at public expense, if you are conducting open and honest government?

Whitehallwatch.org

Wed, 2010-09-08 14:31 — Susan Allan (not verified)

@george

I don't actually know whether I'm right or left wing due to the failure, not of the school buildings, but a labour led education system. I know I believe in democracy, and I know I can be just as mean as you george. I also know that there are problem people with power in every party. I watch, I listen, and at the moment, until someone drags me off and locks me up for my point of view which has happened before, that's what I'll be doing. And if I have to remind everyone how bad this country is getting from time to time, I'll do it.

Enjoy going to the toilet without coming back to read a post on the event. Not everyone under a labour government could do that.

Tue, 2010-09-07 18:27 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Steady on Chaps... Andy is a good chap and is innocent until proven Guilty! He's also a marvellous Tory!

Do you really think 'Yates of the Yard' and the CPS can rely on the words of a total drunk, drug addict and some who would say anything for a price?

Why has it taken Mr Hoare & years to come forward with his unfound and unsafe statements? No reasonable person or persons would believe a word from Sean Hoare.

My legal Advisor has offered to act for Andy Coulson and sue for defamation. In his opinion, Mr Hoare is the only wrongdoer in this case!

Tue, 2010-09-07 18:39 — Daragh McDowell (not verified)

As much as I agree Coulson is suspect - keep what coming? This entire blog post amounts to 'I heard some people are saying that Andy Coulson is in trouble.' Hardly earth shattering.

Tue, 2010-09-07 18:54 — Hugh Markey (not verified)

Time to finish one's drink and rejoin the regiment, chaps!
Chucking out time!
Gullible

Tue, 2010-09-07 19:19 — Susan Allan (not verified)

reg.

You should have told me his name was sean before. I would NEVER have criticised hoares. The NAME sean, regardless of WHAT he does, is MUCH more important than his mates in the rogue bugging dept, his abuse, his similarities to blair regarding brown after a few bottles of finest wark. I mean join the dots on his name alone, and you've got a gig in glasgay. WHO WOULDN'T AGREE TO THAT SMUTTY GIGGLE.

Nudge nudge push.

Tue, 2010-09-07 19:20 — Margaret Young (not verified)

The stench emanating from number 10 grows by the day, and I have it on good authority that the lavatory isn't blocked!

Tue, 2010-09-07 17:32 — ang (not verified)

I said he would have to go because he is in Government. Now what about Murdoch and the Met?

Tue, 2010-09-07 17:35 — rebelrebel (not verified)

Well done, keep this stuff coming. This toxic mess goes right to the heart of our so called democracy.

Tue, 2010-09-07 19:26 — bonk (not verified)

got to love new politics

Tue, 2010-09-07 19:41 — Susan Allan (not verified)

@margaret young

I'm going to make a wild guess. You favour the labour party. You haven't said that the overpowering wiff of murdoch mandelsons channel 4 past wasn't bad enough without the trials of intoxicating tony and and helped but unhelpable brown.

I don't know WHAT is going to happen to me. I really don't, but the cut backs, not really followed up with the right reasons for them in my opinion, (I wish we were RICH and facing cut backs naughty britain) are a welcome breath of fresh air. They need someone like ken clark to sort the psychiatric and social work facilities out.

They need a firing squad for the legal system.

Wed, 2010-09-08 00:11 — George (not verified)

Re: Susan Allan

Y'know, I suspect you right wingers who either post here or at the Guardian are probably tight fisted refugees from the Times.

Thu, 2010-09-09 17:59 — George (not verified)

Re: Stuart

I don't think I am personally superior to you but I think your political views are inferior to mine.

Wed, 2010-09-15 03:39 — stuart (not verified)

oh,you sound like george galloway.

Wed, 2010-09-08 05:53 — stuart (not verified)

now george tell me what is wrong with having right wing views,or is having left wing views make you so superior,now educate me george why you are so self superior mate??