Cameron Denies 'Conspiracy' With Murdoch

David Cameron testified at an inquiry into News Corp's phone hacking shenanigans today, repeatedly insisting that there was no "conspiracy" between his government and Rupert Murdoch's publications, the Telegraph reports. The assertion came despite the revelation that disgraced News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks had sent Cameron chummy texts before a crucial speech saying they were "definitely in this together," and suggesting they have dinner afterward. "Speech of your life? Yes he Cam!" another message read.

"This idea that somehow the Conservative Party and News International got together and said, 'You give us your support and we'll waive through this merger' … is nonsense," Cameron said, likening the inquiry to a "witchcraft trial." Cameron's own journal reveals that he met with James Murdoch at least 15 times before becoming prime minister; he met with reporters in general 1,404 times. Cameron admitted that politicians had become "too close" to the press, in what had become a "bad relationship"; he called for unspecified reforms. (More David Cameron stories.)