Leveson inquiry: IoS editor called to appear over Coulson statement

The editor of the Independent on Sunday has been summoned to appear at the Leveson inquiry to explain how the paper got hold of information in a confidential witness statement provided by the former No 10 spin doctor Andy Coulson. Lord justice Leveson has become increasingly frustrated by leaks from written statements, submitted to his inquiry before witnesses appear in person, and for the first time has used powers available under section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 to haul an editor before him. In a brief opening statement on Thursday morning, Leveson said he had ordered Independent on Sunday editor John Mullin to appear at the inquiry later in the day over a story that disclosed details which are part of Mr Coulson's statement. He said: "Using section 21 of the Inquiries Act, I have caused an inquiry to be made of the editor of the Independent on Sunday and I anticipate that as a result he will be interposed at some stage during the course of today's evidence to deal with the issue." Section 21 is the equivalent of a subpoena and is unlikely to be ignored. Leveson also reprimanded an unnamed newspaper for claiming that David Cameron had held five previously undeclared meetings with Rupert Murdoch. This was based on an unredacted witness statement that turned out to be inaccurate. The inaccurate claim on the number of meetings was also mentioned under parliamentary privilege by Labour MP Chris Bryant. Bryant is a core participant to the Leveson inquiry and has sight of witness statements in advance of redactions. On Wednesday, he apologised to Leveson and to parliament. Leveson has previously reprimanded papers for publishing stories based on confidential witness statements, including details of Rebekah Brooks's use of a retired police horse. Coulson, the former News of the World editor and No 10 director of communications, is due to appear at the inquiry on Thursday afternoon. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". • To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook .