Alex Salmond takes his turn under Leveson inquiry spotlight

Alex Salmond’s links with Rupert Murdoch will come under close scrutiny when he appears before the Leveson inquiry today.

The First Minister will be questioned about his dealings with the media mogul following a series of revelations about his involvement in the controversial BSkyB takeover bid.

The inquiry under Lord Justice Leveson has previously heard Mr Salmond had been willing to lobby for the takeover but has denied the offer was motivated by a desire to secure favourable coverage.

The Scottish Sun newspaper switched from supporting Labour to supporting Mr Salmond’s SNP prior to the 2011 Holyrood election.

The SNP leader is also likely to finally reveal whether his mobile phone was hacked by the now defunct News of the World.

Mr Salmond, who has consistently refused to comment on the issue, will appear before the inquiry this morning.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: ”Alex Salmond has ducked and dived on this issue now for almost two months, so now is the time for full disclosure on the true nature of his relationship with Rupert Murdoch.”

Photo by David Cheskin/PA Wire