Pressure Grows On News International Boss

The Milly Dowler allegations are a game changer in the phone-hacking saga.

Previously, some brushed aside the story by saying it was merely a debate on the privacy of celebrities, of little interest to those outside the media bubble.

Now that News Of The World journalists have been accused of hacking into the phone of a murdered schoolgirl, a member of the public, the very character of the scandal surrounding the newspaper has changed.

Labour's calls for an independent inquiry have stepped up, with Ed Miliband demanding a public probe after the police investigation has concluded.

This will see other media companies pricking up their ears at this.

Last week the Shadow Culture Secretary Ivan Lewis called for an inquiry into the wider conduct of the British press, saying the "issues raised go further than one newspaper group".

But the immediate question now, of course, is what the consequences will be for Rebekah Brooks, News International golden girl and Rupert Murdoch's Chief Executive in the UK.

Ms Brooks, editor of the Sunday paper when Milly Dowler went missing, has said she is "sickened" by the allegations.

However, she made clear to News International staff that she will not resign over the claims.

Scalps have already rolled over the phone hacking saga: Andy Coulson quit as News Of The World editor (and subsequently as David Cameron's communications chief), former royal editor Clive Goodman was jailed.

Three former employees - ex-news editor Ian Edmondson, Neville Thurlbeck and James Weatherup - have been arrested and bailed until September.

So far Ms Brooks has survived - but the pressure is building.

Let's not forget, she was the editor of the News Of The World at the time of Milly Dowler's disappearance. Mr Coulson was her deputy.

News International sources confirmed to Sky News this morning that she will not resign as a result of the newest allegations but is "deeply shocked".

A source said they are in the "early stages" of an internal investigation, and will also "cooperate with the police in any way possible".

After the latest missiles, it is difficult to see where the snowballing allegations surrounding the embattled News Of The World will end.