This blog is taking a summer break for 10 days or so. Meanwhile, I leave you with two riddles...
Q: when is a resignation not a resignation? A: when it takes place at Wapping.
Q: when does the sack for gross misconduct end up being a financial pleasure? A: when it occurs at Wapping.
There was Andy Coulson, so nobly falling on his sword in 2007 by resigning as editor of the News of the World, following the jailing of his royal editor, Clive Goodman, and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire.
Now we 're told that he was being paid a bumper farewell package, even when employed by someone else.
In Goodman's case, though he received a letter from Wapping's chief, Les Hinton, stating that he was being dismissed for "alleged gross misconduct", he got a handsome pay-off.
As for Mulcaire, he is said to have picked up a "a healthy six-figure sum" too, plus a deal to ensure his legal expenses were paid for years afterwards.
Then there is Rebekah Brooks, the News International chief executive, who was forced to resign her post after tremendous public pressure. Result? She remains on the payroll and, reportedly, retains a News Int chauffeur too.
And News Corp has failed to say whether or not Hinton - who also "resigned" - is still on the company payroll as well.
It clearly pays to resign from News Corp.
Anyway, see you early next month.
