David Cameron and Rebekah Brooks became so close that he texted the former News International executive 'a dozen times a day', it was claimed today.
Brooks allegedly kept all the communications between herself and the Prime Minister and may be forced to publish them to the world next week when she appears at the Leveson Inquiry.
They are both well known members of the Chipping Norton Set, which is made up of powerful political and media figures who have homes in a tiny triangle in one of the most scenic parts of England – the Cotswolds.
Friends: David Cameron was forced to admit that he rode a retired police horse loaned to Rebekah Brooks by Scotland Yard from 2008 to 2010.
The group go to the same house parties, dine together and even ride together.
The revelation was made by journalist Peter Oborne in his column for the Daily Telegraph, a week before Brooks is due to appear before the Leveson Inquiry.
The former Sun editor is expected to be asked about her relations with politicians and senior police officers when she gives evidence on May 11 to Lord Justice Leveson.
Too close: David Cameron is seen embracing Rebekah Brooks before planting a kiss on each cheek at a glamorous society party
Further evidence next Thursday will come from Andy Coulson, who became Downing Street’s communications chief after quitting as News of the World editor when one of his journalists was jailed in 2007 for phone hacking.
Brooks, 43, who edited the News of the World and The Sun, has twice been arrested by Scotland Yard detectives investigating allegations of phone hacking, corrupt payments to public officials, and an attempt to pervert the course of justice. She was bailed and has not been charged.
Questions: Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks appears before a parliamentary committee on phone hacking at Portcullis House in July last year
She has been named as one of the Leveson Inquiry’s 'core participants', people who have a significant interest in the hearings or may face criticism.
This means she has advance access to documents and witness statements, and the right to put questions to other witnesses through her lawyers.
Answers: In evidence to the Leveson Inquiry in March, ex-Metropolitan Police communications chief Dick Fedorcio denied a suggestion that he arranged for Brooks to borrow the horse in return for securing work experience at The Sun for his son
The Leveson Inquiry’s lawyers will not be able to question Brooks or Coulson, who has also been arrested and bailed, about anything that could prejudice the continuing police investigation into phone hacking or any potential future trials.
Brooks’s evidence could prove embarrassing for Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mr Cameron was forced to admit that he rode a retired police horse loaned to the former News International chief executive by Scotland Yard from 2008 to 2010.
In evidence to the Leveson Inquiry in March, ex-Metropolitan Police communications chief Dick Fedorcio denied a suggestion that he arranged for Brooks to borrow the horse in return for securing work experience at The Sun for his son.
Mr Cameron set up the Leveson Inquiry last July in response to revelations that the News of the World hacked murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler’s phone after she disappeared in 2002.
The first part of the inquiry, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, is looking at the culture, practices and ethics of the Press in general and is due to produce a report by October.
Lord Justice Leveson indicated this week that the second part, examining the extent of unlawful activities by journalists, may not go ahead.
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