DPA

LONDON DAVID Cameron’s close relations with key figures in the Murdoch media empire as he prepared to run for office came under close scrutiny at a judicial inquiry in Britain on Thursday.

Cameron, who came to power in 2010, called for a new independent system of press regulation in Britain because relations betwee politicians and the powerful media empire of Rupert Murdoch had been”too close” in the past.

However, under forensic questioning during a day-long hearing at a judicial inquiry into media standards, Cameron had to admit that he himself maintained close and personal relations with controversial figures at Murdoch’s News International group.

One was Rebekah Brooks, the former chief executive of News International, who is now facing trial on charges of perverting the course of justice in connection with the long-running phone-hacking scandal at Murdoch’s News of the World newspaper.

The inquiry, which has obtained thousands of documents from News International, confronted Cameron with a potentially embarrassing text message Brooks sent him on the eve of a crucial speech to the Conservative Party conference in October, 2009.

“I’m so rooting for you not just as a proud friend but because professionally we are in this together. Speech of your life Yes he Cam! (for Cameron). Asked to explain the message, Cameron said: “We were friends. But professionally, me as leader of the Conservative Party, her in newspapers, we were going to be pushing the same political agenda.”Cameron said.