Top aide to UK leader resigns in tabloid scandal

The British prime minister's communications chief resigned Friday following intense pressure over claims that he encouraged reporters to illegally spy on politicians, celebrities and royalty while he was editor of a powerful tabloid newspaper.

The resignation is a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron, who has resisted calls to fire Andy Coulson despite the building scandal. It also further calls into doubt claims by the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of The World that phone hacking was only carried out by a couple of rogue employees. (Reuters)