‘Explosive text’ reveals cosy relationship between Cameron and Rebekah Brooks

UK: The full extent of just how close the Prime Minister was to former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks was revealed by the disclosure of an astonishing text message at the Leveson Inquiry into press ethics on Wednesday.

The message, sent on October 7, 2009 by Brooks, the day before a keynote speech by David Cameron and seven months before he became Prime Minister, lavished praise on him and his ‘wonderful’ wife Samantha. Brooks, a near-neighbour of the Camerons, even suggested they have ‘country supper soon'.

The Leveson Inquiry Wednesday heard that Rebekah Brooks sent David Cameron the following text message on October 7, 2009: ‘But seriously I do understand the issue with the Times.

‘Let's discuss over country supper soon. ‘On the party it was because I had asked a number of NI people to Manchester post-endorsement and they were disappointed not to see you.

‘But as always Sam was wonderful – (and I thought it was OEs [Old Etonians] that were charm personified!). ‘I am so rooting for you tomorrow not just as a proud friend but because professionally we're definitely in this together! Speech of your life! ‘Yes he Cam!’ The explosive text message released at the Leveson Inquiry today showed the cosiness of the personal relationship enjoyed by Rebekah Brooks and David Cameron.

At the start of the message, Mrs Brooks conjured up an image of the privileged, rural get-together she and near-neighbours the Camerons and others in the Chipping Norton set had become accustomed to.

She said: ‘But seriously, I understand the issue with The Times. ‘Let's discuss over country supper soon.’

The reference to The Times is thought to be in connection with Mr Cameron's unhappiness at an article that day in the newspaper. Mrs Brooks talked about Mr Cameron's failure to attend a conference party thrown by NI - for which he told the inquiry the message was a reply to his apology.

Mrs Brooks paid a compliment to Mr Cameron's wife Samantha by comparing her to the ‘charm personified’ of OEs (Old Etonians) like Mr Cameron and her husband, racehorse trainer Charlie, who were pupils together at the elite establishment and remain friends.

The text was read out by the inquiry's counsel Robert Jay QC as he grilled Mr Cameron about his close friendship with former Sun editor Mrs Brooks - questioning which the previously assured premier appeared uncomfortable dealing with. DAILY MAIL