Rebekah Brooks resigns from News International

Rebekah Brooks has resigned as Chief Executive of News International.

Brooks has been under intense pressure to stand down following claims she knew about phone hackings during her time as editor of News of the World.

In a statement Brooks said that over the past few weeks her resignation was more of a discussion but this time it was accepted.

Here is her full statement that was emailed to News International staff.

"As chief executive of the company, I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the people we have hurt and I want to reiterate how sorry I am for what we now know to have taken place.

"I have believed that the right and responsible action has been to lead us through the heat of the crisis. However my desire to remain on the bridge has made me a focal point of the debate.

"This is now detracting attention from all our honest endeavours to fix the problems of the past. Therefore I have given Rupert and James Murdoch my resignation. While it has been a subject of discussion, this time my resignation has been accepted.

"Rupert's wisdom, kindness and incisive advice has guided me throughout my career and James is an inspirational leader who has shown me great loyalty and friendship.

"I would like to thank them both for their support."

Yesterday Brooks agreed to attend Tuesday's hearing of the Commons media committee. It is thought she will still attend.

News Corporation today announced the appointment of Tom Mockridge to the role of Chief Executive Officer of News International.

“Mr Mockridge will assume responsibility for his new role with immediate effect following the resignation of Rebekah Brooks.

"Mr Mockridge joins News International from Sky Italia where he has been Chief Executive Officer since launch in 2003. He was also Chief Executive European Television of News Corporation, overseeing News Corporation's television operations in Europe, outside of the UK.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband said in a statement said that Brooks' decision to stand down was the "right thing to do".