Andy Coulson resigns as Cameron’s press chief

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Coulson’s statement:
I can today confirm that I’ve resigned as Downing Street director of communications. It’s been a privilege and an honour to work for David Cameron for three-and-a-half years.

I’m extremely proud of the part I’ve played in helping him reach No 10 and during the coalition’s first nine months.

Nothing is more important than the Government’s task of getting this country back on its feet.

Unfortunately, continued coverage of events connected to my old job at the News of the World has made it difficult for me to give the 110% needed in this role.

I stand by what I’ve said about those events but when the spokesman needs a spokesman, it’s time to move on.

I’ll leave within the next few weeks and will do so wishing the Prime Minister, his family, and his brilliant and dedicated team the very best for what I’m sure will be a long and successful future in Government.

Update: Is the spin being spun? Fraser Nelson of the Spectator has just tweeted:

“Andy Coulson told PM of decision to quit on Wednesday, I understand that civil service were told before Johnson news broke.”

Downing Street will be aware of how damaging the “burying bad news” line is – they’re trying to spin that this was planned in advance, when in reality it looks like COulson taking advantage of a conveniently busy news agenda.

Update: Coulson resigns, after the “continual focus and distraction,” of recent months. It’s a cynical attempt to bury bad news. The spinner has left – and he’s spun his way out.

In what is rapidly (and somewhat unexpectedly) becoming a furiously busy end to the political week, David Cameron’s communications chief Andy Coulson will today be putting out a “personal statement” to the press. While the contents of the statement aren’t yet known, Coulson has been under pressure over his previous role as Editor of News of the World during the now infamous phone-hacking scandal.

With Johnson having resigned yesterday, and Blair at the Iraq inquiry today, it would certainly be a good day to bury bad news. We certainly won’t let them – we’ll bring you Coulson’s statement when we have it.