You Cannot Be Serious

In the phone-hacking scandal, there has been an assortment of farcical reasons given to cover outrages and crimes. From the Murdochs's ignorance of most of their companies' matters to Andy Hayman's dining with those he was investigating.

But No.10's reason for not seeking the apt level of security clearance for Andy Coulson on the grounds of expense is the clear winner. Any civil servant knows DV clearance is the minimum for anyone working in a private office, even junior staff for a nobody DEFRA Minister. The very idea that cost was prohibitive factor for the PM's head of Communicatons is simply mocking people's intelligence.

From the Cabinet Office, run by the Tory Gus O'Donnell (pictured), we have only learned the higher usual level of security for Coulson was not sought. Until any papers are released by FOI, we can only speculate that he was likely to fail. Papers will also reveal it was almost certain Coulson was copied into papers more sensitive than his clearance allowed.
Although there has been a slight lull in the intensity of revelations in the last day or so, there will be many more to come. The story has seeped deep into business, police and politics. The law is next. The cops are considering the evidence Coulson gave under oath in the rancorous libel case which saw former MSP Tommy Sheridan jailed for perjury.

Although our Tom's lifestyle appeared dubious and jail beckoned he may have played a master card in getting Andy to testify and may be smelling the heather again very soon.

Then, the case would be altered.