Leveson inquiry: Brooks granted core participant status

Rebekah Brooks, former chief executive of News International, has been granted core participant status for the third module of the Leveson inquiry, which will look into the relationship between the press and politicians.

Lord Justice Leveson confirmedapplication for core participant status in module one was rejected, would be granted her latest application given that "the position is somewhat different".

"Mrs Brooks is going to give evidence in Module 3 and, in the context of that module, it can justifiably be said that she played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in matters to which this part of the inquiry relates," Leveson added.

"If she were not a core participant she could still be represented, submit questions or seek permission to ask them in respect of evidence which relates to her: see Rule 10(3) of the Inquiry Rules 2006.

"However, on balance, I am persuaded that it would be right for me to confer upon her the additional rights which accrue with core participant status including early access to documents, advance sight of witness statements (in confidence) and the right to make submissions (if so advised).

"Accordingly, subject to the appropriate confidentiality undertakings, I grant her application and designate Kingsley Napley as her recognised legal representative. I have noted in exercising my discretion that Mr Parkinson, on Mrs Brooks’ behalf, sensibly anticipates that it will not be necessary for her to be represented throughout the Module 3 hearing."

In the latest announcement from the inquiry ahead of module three, a number of others have also been granted core participant status.

This includes MP Tom Watson and former MP Evan Harris, who will join politicians Chris Bryant, Simon Hughes, Tessa Jowell, Denis MacShane, Lord Prescott and Claire Ward, who have continued status.

Leveson sought to stress that "membership of this group does not entitle a witness to give evidence" and that he "will decide who should be called based on the extent to which the evidence goes beyond the type of complaints that were made in Module 1".

He added that "all press core participants and the Metropolitan Police" have also been permitted to remain core participants.

Leveson refused applications for continued core participant status for Hugh Grant, Jacqui Hames and Mark Thompson, adding that "it is not suggested that their experience extends to the political pressures with which this module is concerned".

"It is for that reason that, in my judgment, they do not fall within rule 5(2) for the purposes of Module 3 and I do not see the need for them to have core participant status for this module."

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