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James Murdoch at the Leveson inquiry - live coverage James Murdoch at the Leveson inquiry - live coverage
(40 minutes later)
11.38am: James Murdoch's witness statement can be read in full here (pdf).
11.38am: Jay asks when News Corp hatched plans to buy rest of BSkyB it did not already own. Murdoch says late 2009, "August".
11.35am: The inquiry has resumed. We are talking sports rights and the possibility that the Premier League live TV rights would be split by the EC, in particular James Murdoch's conference call to Tony Blair on 7 October 2005.
Jay asks whether the purpose of the call was to bring Blair onside?
Murdoch says it was "just to make the PM aware of these issues. It's a major British franchise".
Did it involve a "direct request" to the PM asks Jay? "You are subtly communicating your concerns on behalf of BSkyB?"
"The purpose would be for senior policy makers to understand that some of these policies might have adverse consequences for English football."
11.32am: Here's a tweet from the Guardian's Esther Addley who is at the Leveson inquiry:
Murdoch denying either cover up or failure of governance. Third option, I wasn't told, dumps blame on NoW editor Myler & legal mgr Crone
— esther addley (@estheraddley) April 24, 2012
11.28am: Tom Watson, the Labour MP and prominent critic of News International, has said that the culture, media and sport select committee report on phone hacking could be published as early as next Tuesday.
He has just tweeted:
DCMS Select Committee will formally consider its report in Monday with a view to publication on Tuesday.
— tom_watson (@tom_watson) April 24, 2012
11.20am: The inquiry is taking a 10-minute break.
11.19am: Murdoch says that evidence exposed during the Sienna Miller litigation was a "great concern", which is why the employees concerned were suspended and new counsel were brought in.
He is asked about the culture of the News of the World, in reference to its aggressive response to the Guardian and select committee reports on phone hacking.
He says: "The culture between these papers is very tribal and the competition between them is a zero-sum game".
Murdoch appears to express regret that he didn't take the Guardian allegations more seriously, although he doesn't mention Guardian by name.
"The culture between these papers is very tribal ... that might lead to a culture of knocking back allegations and not being as thoughtful and forensic about allegations," he says.
"One of the big lessons learned here, no matter where something comes from, even if it's a commercial rival or someone who has a political gripe, that being more dispassionate, forensic, understanding ... those circumstances don't make an allegation untrue."
11.17am: Murdoch is asked whether he knew about the Max Clifford phone-hacking settlement.
He says that he knew there was an existing relationship between Clifford and Rebekah Brooks, then the chief executive of News International, and they wanted to settle it at that.
11.15am: Phone hacking had been "packed away" by the time Murdoch arrived at News International, he says.
Jay asks about the Guardian story in 2009 that gave the first evidence of wider phone hacking at the News of the World.
Murdoch was in New York at the time but received a phone call. He says he was told: "that it wasn't true; that there was no other evidence; that it had been investigated to death and that it was a smear".
Murdoch repeats his regret that he should have taken the follow-up select committee report "more seriously".
11.14am: The Guardian's Lisa O'Carroll has tweeted:
‏
Murdoch pursuing lose lose strategy. Why not just say yes there was a lack of governance when Jay asks if it was a cover up or a screw up?
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) April 24, 2012
11.12am: In a key exchange, Jay puts to Murdoch that there was either a cover up or a failure of governance.
Jay says:
There are two possibilities here. Either you were told of the evidence that linked others at the News of the World to Mulcaire and this was in effect a cover up, or you weren't told and you didn't read the emails properly and there was failure of governance at the company do you accept that?
Murdoch maintains that Myler and Crone gave him "sufficient information" to settle the Gordon Taylor case at a higher figure, but not sufficient information "to go and turn over a whole lot of stones".
He adds: "I was given repeated assurances newsroom had been investigated, that there was no evidence. I've been very consistent about it."
11.11am: The FT's Ben Fenton reckons that was a key exhange.
[That was key exchange so far - you were dishonest or incompetent? No, I was kept in the dark.] #leveson #murdoch
— Ben Fenton (@benfenton) April 24, 2012
11.07am: Keir Simmons, the UK editor for ITV News, has just tweeted:
Lachlan Murdoch still smiling as he watches his brother James put under pressure at #Leveson
— Keir Simmons (@KeirSimmonsITV) April 24, 2012
Murdoch is defiant when asked whether he knew that Colin Myler believed that Gordon Taylor was attempted to "blackmail" News International.
He says: "If the purpose of that meeting was to bring me up to speed on the whole story, from 2006 … then a) it would have been a much longer meeting and b) it would have had a different outcome"
11.04am: Here's a tweet from FT media editor Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson.
Jay sounding incredulous that James left underlings to offer £350,000 Gordon Taylor settlement without his authority #leveson
— A Edgecliffe-Johnson (@Edgecliffe) April 24, 2012
11.02am: Murdoch says he left the Gordon Taylor settlement negotiation to Crone and Myler.
He adds that there was a "budget of a million and change for legal settlements at the News of the World". He says it was "reasonable" to leave the issue to senior management.
Did anyone suggest to you that Taylor was trying to "blackmail" News International, asks Jay, because of the potential reputational harm to the company?
"I don't remember words like that, it was a short meeting," says Murdoch.
10.57am: Murdoch says Myler and Crone were "more on the anxious side" at this meeting and keen to leave the room with the knowledge that they could settle the Gordon Taylor phone-hacking claim "at a higher number".10.57am: Murdoch says Myler and Crone were "more on the anxious side" at this meeting and keen to leave the room with the knowledge that they could settle the Gordon Taylor phone-hacking claim "at a higher number".
Jay suggests the reputational damage to the company was inextricably linked not because it was an old case but because it was something new. Murdoch says he was not told that.Jay suggests the reputational damage to the company was inextricably linked not because it was an old case but because it was something new. Murdoch says he was not told that.
Jay asks whether he believed that £350,000 was a generous figure to settle Taylor's claim. Murdoch says that he is not a lawyer so had no relevant experience.Jay asks whether he believed that £350,000 was a generous figure to settle Taylor's claim. Murdoch says that he is not a lawyer so had no relevant experience.
10.55am: Murdoch believes there was not a "proactive desire" to bring him up to speed on the phone-hacking settlement with Gordon Taylor.10.55am: Murdoch believes there was not a "proactive desire" to bring him up to speed on the phone-hacking settlement with Gordon Taylor.
Jay asks whether there was an agenda for the 10 June 2008 meeting with Myler and Crone. Murdoch says there was not, adding that it was a "brief conversation that I've described at length".Jay asks whether there was an agenda for the 10 June 2008 meeting with Myler and Crone. Murdoch says there was not, adding that it was a "brief conversation that I've described at length".
Did Myler or Crone refer to the reputational damage of the company, Jay asks.Did Myler or Crone refer to the reputational damage of the company, Jay asks.
Murdoch says the message from Myler and Crone was "we don't want to have to go through that again," referring to the jailing of Clive Goodman.Murdoch says the message from Myler and Crone was "we don't want to have to go through that again," referring to the jailing of Clive Goodman.
He says:He says:
It was referred to it was in the best interests of the business not to have this matter [from 2006] dug up again and dragged through the court ... we don't want to have to go through that again.It was referred to it was in the best interests of the business not to have this matter [from 2006] dug up again and dragged through the court ... we don't want to have to go through that again.
Murdoch says he was told that the Taylor phone-hacking claim should be settled, partly "not to drag up" events of the past. He adds that both News International and Taylor sought confidentiality with the settlement.Murdoch says he was told that the Taylor phone-hacking claim should be settled, partly "not to drag up" events of the past. He adds that both News International and Taylor sought confidentiality with the settlement.
Murdoch says he now accepts that the "For Neville" email is "a thread" that raised the suspicion of wider phone hacking at the News of the World.Murdoch says he now accepts that the "For Neville" email is "a thread" that raised the suspicion of wider phone hacking at the News of the World.
He adds:He adds:
The fact it suggested other people might have been involved in phone hacking – that part of its importance was not imparted to me that day.The fact it suggested other people might have been involved in phone hacking – that part of its importance was not imparted to me that day.
10.44am: Dan Sabbagh, head of media at the Guardian, has just tweeted:10.44am: Dan Sabbagh, head of media at the Guardian, has just tweeted:
NewsInt executives seem to work hard to keep Goodman case, Goodman claim etc away from JRM on his account.NewsInt executives seem to work hard to keep Goodman case, Goodman claim etc away from JRM on his account.
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 24, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 24, 2012
Murdoch says assurances made by News International executives to him were "consistent" in there was no evidence of widespread phone hacking.Murdoch says assurances made by News International executives to him were "consistent" in there was no evidence of widespread phone hacking.
Jay points out that Colin Myler told the Leveson inquiry previously he felt there were "bombs underneath the newsroom floor" when it came to phone hacking. Myler was appointed as editor of the News of the World following the resignation of Andy Coulson, who stepped down because the royal reporter Clive Goodman was found to have engaged in phone hacking on his watch.Jay points out that Colin Myler told the Leveson inquiry previously he felt there were "bombs underneath the newsroom floor" when it came to phone hacking. Myler was appointed as editor of the News of the World following the resignation of Andy Coulson, who stepped down because the royal reporter Clive Goodman was found to have engaged in phone hacking on his watch.
Murdoch adds:Murdoch adds:
Their assurances to me were consistent as I said, the newspaper had been investigated thoroughly that no evidence had been found. That was entirely consistent from Mr Crone and Mr Myler all the way through.Their assurances to me were consistent as I said, the newspaper had been investigated thoroughly that no evidence had been found. That was entirely consistent from Mr Crone and Mr Myler all the way through.
He says he would have said "cut out the cancer" and believes "there was some desire not to do that".He says he would have said "cut out the cancer" and believes "there was some desire not to do that".
That is my understanding that is something I have struggled with as well. Why wouldn't they tell me? They didn't. I don't want to conjecture but I think that must be it, that I would say 'cut out the cancer' and there was some desire not to do that.That is my understanding that is something I have struggled with as well. Why wouldn't they tell me? They didn't. I don't want to conjecture but I think that must be it, that I would say 'cut out the cancer' and there was some desire not to do that.
10.40am: Jay is turning to the detail of email correspondence between James Murdoch, the News International solicitor Julian Pike, of Farrers, internal lawyers and the former news editor at NoW, Colin Myler.10.40am: Jay is turning to the detail of email correspondence between James Murdoch, the News International solicitor Julian Pike, of Farrers, internal lawyers and the former news editor at NoW, Colin Myler.
Murdoch says if a "snatched" meeting between him and Myler on 27 May 2008 had gone into what was discussed in the correspondence he would have remembered it.Murdoch says if a "snatched" meeting between him and Myler on 27 May 2008 had gone into what was discussed in the correspondence he would have remembered it.
Murdoch says he was not aware of unfair dismissal claim by Clive Goodman, the jailed former News of the World reporter, or that he alleged that others at News International were involved in phone hacking.Murdoch says he was not aware of unfair dismissal claim by Clive Goodman, the jailed former News of the World reporter, or that he alleged that others at News International were involved in phone hacking.
10.38am: In reference to Dan Sabbagh's tweet (see 10:24am post). Here's Murdoch's 2009 MacTaggart lecture (pdf) which makes interesting reading after his comment about profitability and the demise of the News of the World.10.38am: In reference to Dan Sabbagh's tweet (see 10:24am post). Here's Murdoch's 2009 MacTaggart lecture (pdf) which makes interesting reading after his comment about profitability and the demise of the News of the World.
10.36am: Leveson says that it's not what you put in place for the future but how it happened in the past.10.36am: Leveson says that it's not what you put in place for the future but how it happened in the past.
"That was before I was there," says Murdoch."That was before I was there," says Murdoch.
"I appreciate that," says Leveson. "But you didn't pick up what went wrong in our systems earlier?""I appreciate that," says Leveson. "But you didn't pick up what went wrong in our systems earlier?"
"It was the absence of those things being done effectively," replies Murdoch."It was the absence of those things being done effectively," replies Murdoch.
10.35am: Lord Justice Leveson asks whether James Murdoch "probed the adequacy of the internal governance" at News International when he took over following the jailing of the News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire over phone hacking.10.35am: Lord Justice Leveson asks whether James Murdoch "probed the adequacy of the internal governance" at News International when he took over following the jailing of the News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire over phone hacking.
Murdoch says:Murdoch says:
In the newsroom it had not been tight enough and that's why a new editor was brought in who I thought had no skin in the game in the past … but the newsroom governance again was really an issue for the editor and the legal manager to be responsible for. They were clear they had strengthened governance to catch this sort of thing in the future.In the newsroom it had not been tight enough and that's why a new editor was brought in who I thought had no skin in the game in the past … but the newsroom governance again was really an issue for the editor and the legal manager to be responsible for. They were clear they had strengthened governance to catch this sort of thing in the future.
10.34am: Here's a tweet from former News of the World journalist Tom Latchem:10.34am: Here's a tweet from former News of the World journalist Tom Latchem:
Didn't read his papers, didn't choose editors, didn't read emails... What exactly DID he do for his multi-million pound salary? #LevesonDidn't read his papers, didn't choose editors, didn't read emails... What exactly DID he do for his multi-million pound salary? #Leveson
— Tom Latchem (@theboylatch) April 24, 2012— Tom Latchem (@theboylatch) April 24, 2012
10.31am: Murdoch is asked about phone hacking, which Jay describes as "well-trodden ground".10.31am: Murdoch is asked about phone hacking, which Jay describes as "well-trodden ground".
Jay raises the "For Neville" email and Murdoch's 10 June 2008 meeting with Tom Crone, the News International lawyer, and former news editor of the News of the World Colin Myler.Jay raises the "For Neville" email and Murdoch's 10 June 2008 meeting with Tom Crone, the News International lawyer, and former news editor of the News of the World Colin Myler.
Murdoch reasserts his position that he was not shown the email in that meeting. Crone and Myler have both put forward a different version of events.Murdoch reasserts his position that he was not shown the email in that meeting. Crone and Myler have both put forward a different version of events.
He adds that he was given assurances by Daniel Cloke, the News International HR director, and Myler in December 2007 that phone hacking was all in the past.He adds that he was given assurances by Daniel Cloke, the News International HR director, and Myler in December 2007 that phone hacking was all in the past.
10.26am: Jay asks about the appointment of Dominic Mohan as editor of the Sun.10.26am: Jay asks about the appointment of Dominic Mohan as editor of the Sun.
Murdoch says he supported the appointment, which was the recommendation of his predecessor, Rebekah Brooks, and was approved by his father, Rupert Murdoch.Murdoch says he supported the appointment, which was the recommendation of his predecessor, Rebekah Brooks, and was approved by his father, Rupert Murdoch.
Jay asks whether he knew Mohan's political views? Murdoch says he does not.Jay asks whether he knew Mohan's political views? Murdoch says he does not.
10.24am: Murdoch is asked why he believes the News of the World was profitable. Murdoch says the now-closed title was "reasonably" profitable, adding:10.24am: Murdoch is asked why he believes the News of the World was profitable. Murdoch says the now-closed title was "reasonably" profitable, adding:
The way we do business is part of the connection we have with our customers. In the end the profitability of the News of the World did not save it.The way we do business is part of the connection we have with our customers. In the end the profitability of the News of the World did not save it.
Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media at the high court, has just tweeted:Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media at the high court, has just tweeted:
"The profitability of the NoW did not save it," says JRM - an oblique reference to his "only guarantee of independence is profit" speech."The profitability of the NoW did not save it," says JRM - an oblique reference to his "only guarantee of independence is profit" speech.
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 24, 2012— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) April 24, 2012
10.23am: Jay asks about the legal bill for the News of the World's Max Mosley sting.10.23am: Jay asks about the legal bill for the News of the World's Max Mosley sting.
Murdoch says he cannot recall the exact legal bill faced by News International, then publisher of the News of the World, but describes the episode as "very disappointing" and "a matter of great regret and the story shouldn't have been run".Murdoch says he cannot recall the exact legal bill faced by News International, then publisher of the News of the World, but describes the episode as "very disappointing" and "a matter of great regret and the story shouldn't have been run".
He says does not recall concerns being raised about the "blackmail tactics", as described by Robert Jay, of the women involved in the Mosley expose.He says does not recall concerns being raised about the "blackmail tactics", as described by Robert Jay, of the women involved in the Mosley expose.
Lord Justice Leveson asks whether he went into any detail to read the judge's comments on the Mosley episode.Lord Justice Leveson asks whether he went into any detail to read the judge's comments on the Mosley episode.
Murdoch says it was made clear to Colin Myler, editor of the News of the World at the time, that it was an unfortunate story and there was a "strong indication that it shouldn't happen again".Murdoch says it was made clear to Colin Myler, editor of the News of the World at the time, that it was an unfortunate story and there was a "strong indication that it shouldn't happen again".
"Getting it wrong spectacularly as that was, was made clear to Mr Myler with a strong indication it shouldn't happen again.""Getting it wrong spectacularly as that was, was made clear to Mr Myler with a strong indication it shouldn't happen again."
10.22am: My colleague Lisa O'Carroll has written a profile of Robert Jay who is questioning James Murdoch.10.22am: My colleague Lisa O'Carroll has written a profile of Robert Jay who is questioning James Murdoch.
His strength is he is very good at getting on top of his brief, in terms of getting to the detail. Without any doubt, he will know his subject inside out. He gets to the office at 7.30am or 8am, he puts the hours in to get the detail. Judges love himHis strength is he is very good at getting on top of his brief, in terms of getting to the detail. Without any doubt, he will know his subject inside out. He gets to the office at 7.30am or 8am, he puts the hours in to get the detail. Judges love him
10.16am: Murdoch is asked whether he read the News of the World on a weekly basis.10.16am: Murdoch is asked whether he read the News of the World on a weekly basis.
He says he tried to "familiarise" himself with the Sun and read the News of the World but "not all of it".He says he tried to "familiarise" himself with the Sun and read the News of the World but "not all of it".
Murdoch says he recalls "receiving assurances" about ethics and journalistic practice at the News of the World "on a number of occasions".Murdoch says he recalls "receiving assurances" about ethics and journalistic practice at the News of the World "on a number of occasions".
The ethical and legal risk was "very much in the hands of the editor", Murdoch says, adding that he did not decide what was published by the News of the World or the Sun.The ethical and legal risk was "very much in the hands of the editor", Murdoch says, adding that he did not decide what was published by the News of the World or the Sun.
10.14am: Jay asks whether there were deficiencies in News International's system for identifying legal risks?10.14am: Jay asks whether there were deficiencies in News International's system for identifying legal risks?
Murdoch says: "With respect to newsgathering practices it's self evident in hindsight whatever controls were in place failed. However, there were senior legal managers working with the newsrooms ... at the time I didn't have the view whether they were insufficient or not."Murdoch says: "With respect to newsgathering practices it's self evident in hindsight whatever controls were in place failed. However, there were senior legal managers working with the newsrooms ... at the time I didn't have the view whether they were insufficient or not."
He adds:He adds:
We had a management board where senior executives would meet regularly … and there was ample opportunity to be able to discuss these issues and surface them. I think I would have had a reasonable expectation that having a legal manager so close to the newsroom was a protection that it ultimately proved not to provide.We had a management board where senior executives would meet regularly … and there was ample opportunity to be able to discuss these issues and surface them. I think I would have had a reasonable expectation that having a legal manager so close to the newsroom was a protection that it ultimately proved not to provide.
Murdoch is asked about corporate reputation. He says that legal risk is an important part of corporate reputation.Murdoch is asked about corporate reputation. He says that legal risk is an important part of corporate reputation.
10.10am: Jay asks Murdoch whether he felt in December 2007 that there was an open-management culture at News International.10.10am: Jay asks Murdoch whether he felt in December 2007 that there was an open-management culture at News International.
Murdoch replies that he felt the publisher was "different" to the management relations at BSkyB.Murdoch replies that he felt the publisher was "different" to the management relations at BSkyB.
Jay asks whether he felt that Colin Myler, then the editor of the News of the World was open with him in December 2007.Jay asks whether he felt that Colin Myler, then the editor of the News of the World was open with him in December 2007.
"At the time I had no reason to believe otherwise," says Murdoch."At the time I had no reason to believe otherwise," says Murdoch.
10.06am: James Murdoch says he resigned as BSkyB chairman "for the simple reason that I wanted to avoid becoming a lightning rod" for the pay-TV operator during the phone-hacking scandal at News International.10.06am: James Murdoch says he resigned as BSkyB chairman "for the simple reason that I wanted to avoid becoming a lightning rod" for the pay-TV operator during the phone-hacking scandal at News International.
He adds that "some people were trying to conflate" the hacking scandal with his role at BSkyB, so he resigned from the post earlier this month.He adds that "some people were trying to conflate" the hacking scandal with his role at BSkyB, so he resigned from the post earlier this month.
10.01am: James Murdoch is sworn in and has taken the witness stand.10.01am: James Murdoch is sworn in and has taken the witness stand.
Robert Jay, the lead counsel to the inquiry is questioning the elder son of Rupert Murdoch.Robert Jay, the lead counsel to the inquiry is questioning the elder son of Rupert Murdoch.
9.43am: James Murdoch arrived at the high court just before 9am, a full hour before he is due to take the witness stand, according to the Financial Times correspondent Ben Fenton.9.43am: James Murdoch arrived at the high court just before 9am, a full hour before he is due to take the witness stand, according to the Financial Times correspondent Ben Fenton.
James Murdoch has just arrived at the High Court. He was driven in through gates off the Strand.James Murdoch has just arrived at the High Court. He was driven in through gates off the Strand.
— Ben Fenton (@benfenton) April 24, 2012— Ben Fenton (@benfenton) April 24, 2012
Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media, is at the high court and likened the air of anticipation to the early days of the inquiry, when celebrities including Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller appeared to give evidence.Dan Sabbagh, the Guardian's head of media, is at the high court and likened the air of anticipation to the early days of the inquiry, when celebrities including Hugh Grant and Sienna Miller appeared to give evidence.
The entrance to the high court is lined with broadcasting trucks and photographers, and a smattering of campaigners from the activists network Avaaz, Sabbagh said.The entrance to the high court is lined with broadcasting trucks and photographers, and a smattering of campaigners from the activists network Avaaz, Sabbagh said.
Lisa O'Carroll, the Guardian's' media correspondent, has just tweeted:Lisa O'Carroll, the Guardian's' media correspondent, has just tweeted:
#leveson James Murdoch has arrived. Robert Jay in court 20m early. Air of anticipation#leveson James Murdoch has arrived. Robert Jay in court 20m early. Air of anticipation
— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) April 24, 2012— lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) April 24, 2012
9.36am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog. James Murdoch will today testify on oath for almost six hours as the Leveson inquiry turns its attention to the relationship between proprietors and politicians.9.36am: Welcome to the Leveson inquiry live blog. James Murdoch will today testify on oath for almost six hours as the Leveson inquiry turns its attention to the relationship between proprietors and politicians.
James Murdoch, the eldest son of Rupert, is expected to give his account of the circumstances of News Corporation's takeover attempt of BSkyB, which was dropped at the height of the phone-hacking scandal last year. James Murdoch stepped down as executive chairman of BSkyB this month, having left News International, the publisher of the Sun and now-defunct News of the World, earlier this year.James Murdoch, the eldest son of Rupert, is expected to give his account of the circumstances of News Corporation's takeover attempt of BSkyB, which was dropped at the height of the phone-hacking scandal last year. James Murdoch stepped down as executive chairman of BSkyB this month, having left News International, the publisher of the Sun and now-defunct News of the World, earlier this year.
Nick Davies, the Guardian journalist who exposed the scandal, has suggested a set of questions for the former Murdoch heir apparent to answer.Nick Davies, the Guardian journalist who exposed the scandal, has suggested a set of questions for the former Murdoch heir apparent to answer.
The inquiry begins at 10am.The inquiry begins at 10am.
Comments have been turned off for legal reasons.Comments have been turned off for legal reasons.