James Murdoch relinquished control of his family’s British newspaper empire yesterday, stepping down as executive chairman of News International.

James Murdoch is to step down as executive chairman of News International to focus on expanding international TV businesses, the company announced today.

Former News of the World chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck today defended the public interest of publishing stories which alleged that David Beckham had cheated on his wife and F1 boss Max Mosley had taken part in a “Nazi orgy”.

POLICE probing phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World arrested a private investigator who was previously jailed for his role in the scandal.

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson secretly listened in on a phone call designed to entice comedian Steve Coogan into revealing personal information, it was alleged at the Leveson Inquiry today.

James Murdoch could be asked to clarify his evidence to the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, chairman John Whittingdale said.

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson stayed as a guest of Prime Minister David Cameron at Chequers in March, it was disclosed today.

THE FBI has opened an investigation into allegations that media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation sought to hack into the phones of 9/11 victims, according to a law enforcement official.

News of the World editor Colin Myler offered a rallying call to his journalists today as the newspaper prepared to go “out with a bang” with its final edition.

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson and one of his former top reporters were being questioned about alleged corruption today after a dramatic double arrest by Scotland Yard.

THE announcement that the News of the World will close after this weekend was greeted with shock and amazement by journalists at News International.

FIREBRAND politician Tommy Sheridan was yesterday challenged to take a lie detector test by the News of the World, following his dramatic defamation victory over the tabloid.