2009–2011 News of the World phone hacking scandal investigations involvement of Ian Edmondson, a senior editor at the paper, in work undertaken by Mulcaire. Beginning on 8 July 2009, "The Guardian" made a series of allegations that the phone hacking activities at the "News of the World" went far beyond the activities for which the "News of the World" royal editor Clive Goodman was jailed in 2007, those activities being limited to members of the royal household. The paper alleged that hacking victims included public figures such as former deputy prime minister John Prescott, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, Tessa Jowell when she was Olympics Secretary, Boris Johnson when
2009–2011 News of the World phone hacking scandal investigations Andy Coulson. At the time "The Guardian" made these claims, Coulson had left News International and was director of Conservative Party communications and planning. Due to this, some claimed that the reporting was politically motivated. The Conservative Party was quick to stand by Coulson. "The Guardian" also reported that the "News of the World" had made payments in excess of £1 million to three people subject to phone hacking, including Professional Footballers' Association chairman Gordon Taylor, with the out-of-court settlements subject to secrecy clauses. Around the same time, "Private Eye" revealed that "The Guardian" had, in order to avoid "all