Former prime minister Tony Blair is godfather to one of Rupert Murdoch's young children, sources said on Monday, raising fresh questions about British political links to the media mogul's empire. The revelation first emerged in a Vogue magazine interview with Murdoch's wife Wendi Deng, which also contains claims that Blair was present when Murdoch and Deng's two daughters were baptised beside the River Jordan in March last year. A spokesman for Blair's London office and a spokeswoman for Murdoch's US-based News Corporation both refused to comment on the story in Vogue's October UK edition, which is due out on Thursday. But sources close to News Corp confirmed to AFP that Blair was godfather to Grace, aged nine, Murdoch's eldest daughter by third wife Wendi. A source close to Blair also confirmed the Vogue story was true. News of the link between former Labour premier Blair and Australian-born Murdoch comes two months after the tycoon was forced to close down his News of the World tabloid amid a scandal over phone-hacking. The Vogue article, extracts of which were published in the Daily Telegraph on Monday, says Blair attended the ceremony "garbed in white" and describes him as one of Wendi Murdoch's "closest friends". Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman were named publicly as godparents to Murdoch's young daughters at the time of the ceremony on the banks of the River Jordan, but Blair did not feature in photographs that were released. Jordan's Queen Rania hosted the baptism of Grace and Chloe, eight, Vogue said. A spokeswoman for Vogue UK confirmed that all the information and extracts published in the Daily Telegraph were accurate. They said it was an exclusive arrangement with the newspaper to release it in that way. The phone-hacking scandal dragged in Prime Minister David Cameron when his former media chief Andy Coulson, an ex-News of the World editor, was arrested in July on suspicion of hacking and bribing police. But it raised wider questions about the British establishment's cosy links with Murdoch, especially as Labour, who are now in opposition, made huge efforts to win over the elderly mogul's stable of newspapers.

Justin Bieber is really getting into his new Punk'd role, even when the cameras aren't around -- the Biebs' latest prank involved him trying to trick his fans into thinking that he's gone gangsta by tricking out his teeth with a shiny new grill.

The "U Smile" singer's fans have fallen in love with his perfect smile, so many of them were probably completely freaking out when jeweler Ben Baller posted a photo on Twitter featuring the Biebs and himself. Ben was holding a grill in his hand, and it appeared that the solemn-faced bling king was getting ready to install the hardware in Justin Bieber's mouth.

It actually isn't too hard to believe that the Biebs would get a grill. After all, he's gone a little bit gangsta lately -- he's worn baggy pants that expose his underwear; rocked a "F**k you and f**k her too!" T-shirt; and tried his hand at rapping as Shawty Mane. However, Justin Bieber refused to swear for his "Trust Issues" remix (much to Drake's disappointment), so he's hasn't gone completely gangster just yet.

And to the relief of Justin Bieber's fans (and probably also Selena Gomez), he quickly responded to some of his Twitter followers freak-outs over the grill photo by writing, "haha. relax it's just a joke. no biggie."

It's a good thing, too. A Lil Wayne-style grill can be a bit of a mouthful, and it would be horrible if it messed with Justin's singing ability.

So what prank will the Punk'd host pull next? He's already tricked Taylor Swift into thinking that she ruined a wedding, and now he's pulled a fast one on his fans with his grill joke. Maybe he'll target girlfriend Selena Gomez, or maybe he'll go after Drake and his dirty mouth. Who do you think he should punk?

Bobby Sabel and Kerry Katona survived the public vote.

She pleaded with the audience to save her from the boot and said a lot of people didn't want her to go in the house in the first place.

The Commons Speaker's wife is convinced her daft antics and big mouth have turned her into a pariah.

She poured her heart out in the Diary Room, saying she fears a backlash from the public

She told The Only Way is Essex star Amy Childs this week: "I'd love to stay but it'll probably be me, just because teenage girls vote and Bobby's gorgeous – not that he says very much.

"I mean, I love Bobby but he's very boring."

Individuals' right to privacy is guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights and in UK law by the Human Rights Act.

UK laws have a "weak, fractured and piecemeal approach to privacy", researchers Charles Raab and Benjamin Goold said in the EHRC-commissioned report. Growing public and private sector demand for personal information is putting citizens' rights at risk, they said.

"The existing approach to the protection of information privacy in the UK is fundamentally flawed, and that there is a pressing need for widespread legislative reform in order to ensure that the rights contained in [the European Convention on Human Rights] are respected," the researchers' report (105-page / 733KB PDF) said.

"The right to privacy is at risk of being eroded by the growing demand for information by government and the private sector. Unless we start to reform the law and build a regulatory system capable of protecting information privacy, we may soon find that it is a thing of the past".

Privacy in the UK has been "transformed" by UK laws on human rights, data protection and the interception of communications, the report said. The Data Protection Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) are "riddled with gaps and contradictions" and they do not easily explain to people "what happens to their personal information, or what they should do when that information is misused," it said.

The Data Protection Act gives individuals rights over the use of their personally identifiable information and sets out rules that organisations in possession of personal data must abide by.

RIPA makes it unlawful for communications to be intercepted in most cases. Telecoms firms are allowed to unintentionally intercept communications in line with RIPA if the interception "takes place for purposes connected with the provision or operation of that service or with the enforcement, in relation to that service, of any enactment relating to the use of postal services or telecommunications services."

Law enforcement agencies can also force telecoms companies to hand over customers' details in order to tap phone, internet or email communications to protect the UK's national security interests, prevent and detect terrorism and serious crime or to safeguard the UK's economic well-being.

RIPA forces telecoms companies to gain consent from customers to their personal data being processed, however an exception exists that allows police to prevent the companies informing customers if it would jeopordise the aim of preventing or detecting crime.

The state's use of personal information needs to be better regulated, the researchers' report said. The researchers said that too many privacy watchdogs implemented "disjointed" measures and that a "more, flexible, comprehensive approach to privacy" was needed.

"This involves reforming the law and the regulatory system to create a comprehensive privacy protection regime to supersede the piecemeal inventory of measures or ‘tools’ implemented in a disjointed fashion by various agents. The relevant regulatory agencies need to be strengthened," the report said.

"There should be an effort to rationalise and consolidate the current approach to the regulation of surveillance and data collection in the UK, with particular attention paid to the relationship between the various statutory Commissioners responsible for protecting information privacy," the report said.

Data protection watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and surveillance watchdog the Interception of Communications Commissioner (IoCC) are among those responsible for ensuring compliance with privacy aspects of UK laws. Currently the ICO has the power to fine organisations up to £500,000 for serious personal data breaches. The IoCC can issue fines of up to £50,000 for unlawful interceptions of communications.

The researchers recommended that "privacy principles" should be developed to help guide the development of new privacy laws and "the decisions of regulators and government agencies concerned with information privacy and data collection in different contexts".

Existing laws that "[touch] on privacy" should be reformed to reflect new privacy principles and enhance the privacy rights provided by the Human Rights Act, the report said.

"At minimum, such reform should consolidate and improve the existing RIPA and data protection regimes in relation to information privacy and surveillance," the report said.

The Government should promote the development of new technologies that offer better privacy protection, including those that offer 'privacy by design', and this should play an "integral" part of privacy reform, the researchers said.

"The development and use of technological and non-legal solutions to the problem of information privacy protection should be encouraged by government, and more resources devoted to public education and awareness around privacy," the researchers said.

The EHRC, which monitors compliance with human rights laws in the UK, issued recommendations based on the researchers' report. Current laws on information privacy should be streamlined to make it "easier for organisations to understand their responsibilities and simpler for citizens to know and use their rights," an EHRC statement said.

The EHRC also said that public organisations must "properly justify" their need for personal data and explain what it is to be used for. It said organisations that want to use personal data for purposes other than those it originally stated should have to go through a vetting process.

All requests for personal data must be justified and proportionate and public organisations should consider how new policies and practices would impact on the privacy of information, the EHRC said.

“It’s important that the government and its agencies have the information they need about us to do their job, for example to fight crime, or protect our health. However, the state is holding increasing amounts of information about our lives without us knowing, being able to check that it’s accurate or being able to challenge this effectively," Geraldine Van Bueren, a Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission said.

“This needs to change so that any need for personal information has to be clearly justified by the organisation that wants it. The law and regulatory framework needs to be simplified and in the meantime public authorities need to check what data they have and that it complies with the existing laws,” Van Bueren said.

Warne puckered up to girlfriend Liz Hurley - silencing rumours the model had grown tired and bewildered by her bloke's new metrosexual image.

While Warne's fans have blamed the svelte and well-groomed mother-of-one for his drastic overhaul, Hurley is reportedly fed-up with Warne's new-found passion for moisturiser and dieting.

She is apparently telling pals that Warne, 41, pesters her for beauty tips and fears his dalliance with his feminine side is out of control.

A former international spin-bowler, Warne was known for his temper, boozy nights and bad diet.

But since getting together with Liz, Shane has shed a huge amount of weight.

When rock giants Kings of Leon abruptly cancelled their tour yesterday millions of fans were left devastated.

But problems within the four-piece’s camp run far deeper than their management is letting on according to an American magazine.

Although the band said that lead singer Caleb Followill was ‘suffering from vocal issues and exhaustion,’ an insider close to the Grammy winners told the magazine he has an alcohol problem.

No more for the road? It has been claimed today Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's bandmates want him to check into rehab before they tour again

The source told US Weekly: ‘They are trying to get Caleb to go to rehab. It is mostly for alcohol.

‘[That's why] they ended up cancelling the whole tour. He drinks like a fish.’

If the revelations are true it would make the singer’s rant on Friday night when he stormed off stage in Dallas, Texas, claiming it was 'too hot' even more shocking

Charmer: Lucky Caleb recently married to Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge

He said: ‘I'm gonna go backstage and I'm gonna vomit, I'm gonna drink a beer,’ before walking off for the night.

Another source close to the group said Caleb, who recently married Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge, has been battling a problem for a long time.

He said: ‘It's true. Caleb's drinking is out of control and they are trying to get him into rehab. 

‘It's a dark demon he has been fighting for awhile.’

However a representative of the band has denied the accusations,  and reaffirmed claims the singer just needed some rest.

He said: "The reason for the cancellation of the tour is Caleb is under doctor's orders for vocal rest. 

‘They feel terrible about cancelling. They look forward to getting back on the road at the end of September.’

However Caleb's bandmate and brother Jared has hinted the problems are bigger than is being officially let on through Twitter.

On Saturday he wrote: ‘There are internal sicknesses and problems that have needed to be addressed.

‘I know you guys aren't stupid. I can't lie. There are problems in our band bigger than not drinking enough Gatorade.’

On Monday, when the tour was cancelled, he added: "Utterly depressed. It's completely out of my hands. Family has to come first.’

Band of brothers: Caleb's family filled band are concerned for the singers well-being and are urging him to seek help according to claims

A third source all the members of the Nashville, Tennessee band, which also features two of Caleb's brothers and a cousin, love to party hard.

He said: ‘They all drink, all the [bandmates]. Anyone in a band usually likes to have a few beers on the road.

‘They have never discussed [Caleb's drinking] as a problem before.’

The prospect of Ireland electing Europe's first gay president is over after the leading candidate dropped out of the race following a scandal involving his former partner's rape of a 15-year-old boy.

David Norris announced he was withdrawing from the contest after it emerged he had written to the Israeli authorities in 1997 appealing for clemency for his former partner, Ezra Yitzhak Nawi. The Israeli peace activist was later found guilty of the statutory rape of the Palestinian boy and served time in prison.

On the steps of his Dublin home, Norris acknowledged the enormous damage inflicted on his campaign after appearing to be the popular choice with a consistent poll lead over his rivals.

While his decision to enter the race had made it possible for a gay candidate to stand for president, the independent senator said it was time to bow out.

"I would have loved to have had the opportunity as president of Ireland to extend that to the service of the entire people but that is no longer possible."

He said he had always conducted himself with the dignity and decorum that would be expected of any potential president. "The recent frenzy threatened to erode that principle and it is now time for me to reassert as far as possible control of my life and destiny."

Norris's fate was sealed on Tuesday night when members of the Irish parliament withdrew their support for his candidacy. Under the Irish constitution, a candidate cannot stand for the presidency unless he or she has the support of 20 TDs or senators, or command the backing of a number of county councils.

Norris had won the backing of one council while some councillors had refused to even meet him.

His campaign was also damaged by the resignation of several election workers over the Nawi scandal. They were angered over being kept in the dark about Norris's letters on Irish parliamentary notepaper to Israeli authorities, giving a character reference to his former partner and pleading for clemency.

Norris, Ireland's leading James Joyce scholar, refused to answer questions from the media outside his house on the street where he established the James Joyce Centre.

Defending his record, Norris said, speaking from a script: "I deeply regret the most recent of all the controversies concerning my former partner of 25 years ago, Ezra Nawi. The fallout from his disgraceful behaviour has now spread to me and is in danger of contaminating others close to me both in my political and personal life. It is essential that I act decisively now to halt this process."

With characteristic flourish, he added: "As I came across the Samuel Beckett bridge today into my mind came his words about humanity and frailty: 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.' "

Struggling to be heard among the media throng outside the house, a middle-aged woman cried out: "Stay in the race, don't let the media drive you out."

But Norris had already gone back inside, his attempt to succeed Mary McAleese as the head of the Irish state this October in ruins.

News International has ordered the mass deletion of hundreds of thousands of emails from its computer system in the past 18 months, MPs learnt last night.

The news has prompted concerns that vital evidence may have been lost to police and other authorities investigating the phone-hacking scandal. The extent of the deletions was revealed in a letter sent to the Commons Home Affairs Committee by lawyers acting for a technology company, HCL, which manages data for News International (NI).

A shocked Keith Vaz, chairman of the committee, said: "I'm very surprised that so many emails and information appears to have been deleted since the start of this year. This will raise further questions which I'm sure we will want to probe further but it's surprising that such a large number of messages have been deleted. Several thousand emails is a lot of emails." He said staff from HCL may be called to give further evidence before the committee.

Nearly half of all voters question the prime minister's judgement following the phone-hacking scandal, a new survey reveals.
The poll comes amid new questions for David Cameron, after reports show the extent of the Cabinet ministers' meetings with News International figures.

Government information released yesterday showed chancellor George Osborne had met News International representatives 16 times since the general election. Eyebrows were also raised at education secretary Michael Gove, who had 21 meetings.

“It reveals a lot about Michael Gove’s priorities that he has found time to meet with News Corps executives 21 times since he became education secretary - including meeting Rupert Murdoch on seven separate occasions - but in his first seven months in the job he didn’t manage to visit a single sixth form college, further education college or special school," said shadow education secretary Andy Burnham.

As the documents were released Downing Street again found itself defending Ed Llewellyn, Mr Cameron's chief of staff, after it emerged that he had dinner with Neil Wallis and then Met commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson. Mr Wallis' network of contacts in the media, Scotland Yard and Downing Street has proved problematic for several senior figures over the last few weeks.

A ComRes poll for the Independent found that all party leaders had been hit by the phone-hacking scandal - even Ed Miliband, who was widely considered to have dealt with it well - but that Mr Cameron was considerably the most damaged.

Asked whether 'David Cameron's actions over the phone hacking scandal make me question whether he has the right judgment and skills to be prime minister', 47% agreed and 44% did not.

In a finding which will cause consternation in Downing Street, 31% of people who voted for Mr Cameron also agreed with the statement.