Cameron recalls years working in media at Leveson Inquiry

British Prime Minister David Cameron has long-held views about media regulation in the UK formed when he worked for a major commercial broadcaster in the 1990s, he told the Leveson Inquiry into press standards today.

As he began his evidence under oath at the Royal Courts of Justice, Cameron said his seven years as corporate affairs director at Carlton "was quite a formative period".

The Tory leader has submitted an 84-page witness statement and three exhibits to the inquiry and will be questioned about them in an all-day session.

Asked about his time in television before quitting for a political career, he said: "Carlton was quite a formative period.

"I formed a lot of views about the media then which I still hold today."

He said he also formed relations with many journalists at that time, though those with Westminster media were forged more in his previous role as a ministerial special adviser.

In that role, he said, he acted as both a "mouthpiece" for his Home Secretary and Chancellor bosses and as a "sponge", meeting people the Minister did not have time to see.

Asked if he ever gave his own opinions rather than representing those of the minister, he said: "On occasion, I am sure I would have made clear to people my own views about something."

Pressed on whether he would have made clear that he was not speaking the mind of his political boss, he replied: "I would hope so."

Mr Cameron is expected to use his appearance to set out new regulations concerning special advisers as part of the ministerial code of interests.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's aide Adam Smith was forced to resign after admitting that his contacts with News Corp representatives during the BSkyB takeover bid were too close.