Hunt’s adviser to face Leveson

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s former special adviser, Adam Smith, will give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry next week, it has been announced.

News Corporation lobbyist Frederic Michel will also appear on the same day.

Mr Smith resigned last month over his dealings with Mr Michel in relation to the BSkyB takeover bid. Their evidence on Thursday will lead to fresh scrutiny of Mr Hunt’s role in the process.

Also appearing at Leveson next week will be former Labour Cabinet ministers Lord Mandelson, Lord Reid, Tessa Jowell and Alan Johnson.

Labour MP Tom Watson, who has been one of News International’s fiercest critics and helped to uncover the phone-hacking scandal, will also give evidence, as will television journalists Jeremy Paxman and Andrew Marr.

Mr Hunt is still awaiting a date to appear before Leveson.