Rebekah Brooks, arrested on Sunday as part of an investigation into allegations of phone hacking and bribing police, rose to the top of British tabloid journalism armed with charm and networking skills, according to Reuters. After becoming editor of the News of the World in 2000 and the Sun's first female editor in 2003, the flame-haired 43-year-old was promoted in 2009 to become chief executive of Rupert Murdoch's UK newspaper business, reporting to his son James. She became a favourite of Rupert, who told reporters she was his top priority when he flew into London a week ago to take charge of the crisis shaking his global media empire News Corp She counts Prime Minister David Cameron as a friend -- a fact that has added to his discomfort since the hacking scandal erupted and provided ammunition to the opposition Labour party. Former employees describe her as "one of the lads" who fitted into the macho culture of the tabloids by swearing in the newsroom and with colleagues -- while making it very clear who was boss. Brooks, known as Rebekah Wade until her second marriage to ex-racehorse trainer and author Charlie Brooks two years ago, spent almost her entire career at News International. -- SPA
