News International, the British arm of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, is reportedly paying former News of the World editor Andy Coulson’s legal feels, the Financial Times reported Thursday. Coulson was arrested on July 8 for his alleged role in the phone-hacking scandal. Coulson served as Prime Minister David Cameron’s communications director until January, a role he took on after resigning from News of the World in 2007. Coulson, under investigation by police, has hired Jo Rickers, a London-based attorney, who reportedly bills $650 an hour—a fee reportedly paid by News International. The company may soon stop paying Coulson’s legal bills, as Labor MP Tom Watson has called on News Corp. to reveal whether they are paying Coulson’s tab. Coulson already has come under fire for receiving a substantial severance package from News International after he started working for the government, a violation of Parliament rules.
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