Demands for inquiry into Jeremy Hunt's links with Rupert Murdoch Mr Murdoch came under pressure to disclose whether a law firm warned that phone hacking was rife at the News of the World after he admitted there was a "cover-up" by senior members of staff. The tycoon also faced questions over whether a meeting with Mr Hunt in New York before the BSkyB bid led to The Sun backing the Tories. Ofcom, the media regulator, said it was stepping up its investigation into whether News Corp was "fit and proper" to own its existing share in the broadcaster. The Prime Minister has backed Mr Hunt, but is facing growing demands to order an independent investigation into allegations that the Culture Secretary broke ministerial rules. The Ministerial Code says ministers should take responsibility for their advisers, and avoid action that appears to favour any particular interest. No 10 says there should not be an investigation while the Leveson Inquiry continues, but Bernard Jenkin, the chairman of the Commons public administration committee, said Sir Alex Allan, Mr Cameron's independent adviser on the code, should investigate. "He should decide whether there is a case to answer," Mr Jenkin told BBC Radio Four. Labour also kept up the pressure. Angela Eagle, the shadow leader of the Commons, said: "The Ministerial Code is crystal clear: the Secretary of State is responsible for the conduct of his special advisers." Senior Lib Dems stopped short of backing Mr Hunt, saying only that he should explain himself when he gives evidence to Lord Justice Leveson. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, told ITV News: "Jeremy has to be given an opportunity to present his side to the story." Mr Hunt has come under scrutiny over Mr Smith's dealings with News Corp while the minister was reaching a decision on whether to refer the BSkyB bid to the Competition Commission. Mr Hunt told the Commons that Mr Smith's role was "approved" by Jonathan Stephens, his department's permanent secretary. Appearing before a Commons committee, Mr Stephens repeatedly refused to confirm the account, referring MPs to the statements made by Mr Hunt and Mr Smith. The department insisted that the permanent secretary was aware Mr Smith was "in contact with News Corp and was content with that arrangement."