Tory spinner Coulson to be investigated

The move follows claims made by former NoW reporter Sean Hoare last week claiming Coulson, then the paper's editor, was well aware that his staff were hacking the phones of prominent individuals.

NoW royal editor Clive Goodman was jailed for conspiracy to access phone messages in 2007, along with private investigator Glenn Mulcaire, but the paper insists it was an isolated case.

An investigation by the Commons culture and media committee was critical of the paper's conduct but found no evidence that Mr Coulson either approved phone-hacking by his paper, or was aware it was taking place.

Mr Coulson has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

Last year the Guardian alleged that the phone hacking was far more widespread than the Murdoch title admitted but the Met did not investigate the claims.

Speaking on Sunday Assistant Commissioner John Yates said the Met had asked the New York Times, which carried Mr Hoare's original comments, to provide any new material it had relating to the matter.

He said: "Since further allegations in relation to phone hacking first emerged in the Guardian in July 2009, the Metropolitan Police has been very clear about its position and made this public on a number of occasions.

"The newspaper produced no new evidence for us to consider reopening the case - a position endorsed separately by the Director of Public Prosecutions and leading counsel. We have always said that this position could change if new evidence was produced."

Of Mr Hoare's allegation, Mr Yates said: "It is new and we will consider it and be consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service before we do.

Among those whose phones were allegedly hacked are several senior Labour MPs. All five candidates in the Labour leadership contest have called for a fresh inquiry into the claims.

Tory Education Minister Michael Gove accused Labour of "recycling" old allegations in the hope of embarrassing David Cameron.

In a statement issued on Monday Mr Coulson said he would be "happy" to meet police to discuss the allegations.