James Murdoch Quits Times, Sun Boards

James Murdoch has unexpectedly quit as a director at both the Times and Sun newspapers amid continued phone-hacking fallout. News International CEO Tom Mockridge is taking over Murdoch’s positions, leaving no Murdochs on the British papers’ boards; that prompts London’s Evening Standard to question News Corp’s plans for the flagship papers. Murdoch will, however, stay on as chairman of News International, a rep notes.

“Because it is inescapable that there will be some kind of censure" from Parliament, "it is inevitable that people will say maybe you've got too much on your plate. It makes sense to step back from some of the roles,” says an analyst. Meanwhile, more hot water for Rupert Murdoch: A former Australian senator says News Corp bribed him to vote against legislation, offering positive coverage and a “special relationship,” the Guardian reports. Police are investigating. (More James Murdoch stories.)