New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Politics
  2. Media
30 May 2012updated 04 Oct 2023 9:56am

Coulson detained on suspicion of perjury

Former News of the World editor's woes continue.

By George Eaton

Andy Coulson’s woes continue to multiply. The news broke this morning that the former Screws editor had been detained by Strathclyde police on suspicion of perjury. Under Scottish law, police now have six hours to question Coulson and then either charge or release him.

The latest allegations date back to the Tommy Sheridan trial in December 2010, a period when he was still serving as David Cameron’s director of communications. As I’ve previously noted, Coulson was asked by Sheridan (who acted as his own counsel): “did the News of the World pay corrupt police officers?” to which he replied: “Not to my knowledge.”

It’s a further blow to Cameron’s attempts to relaunch his government. Every piece of bad news about Coulson provides Labour with another chance to remind voters that Cameron hired him.

For the record, Coulson was arrested last July on suspicion of phone-hacking and corruption and had his bail extended earlier this month.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>