It’s development after development today, and a particularly sad one at the close of play. The former News of the World journalist Sean Hoare, who was the first to allege that Coulson knew about phone hacking, has been found dead in his Watford home. He was plighted by drink and drug addiction – for which Coulson sacked him. Although the death is unexplained, the Guardian report that the police are not currently treating it as suspicious.

That’s sure to satisfy everyone. 

Yates of the Yard held his head high and said he was leaving with his integrity intact. There was no side swipe at the government, unlike with his boss. Minutes later though the Independent Police Complaint Authority revealed why he was facing suspension. It is alleged that Yates got Neil Wallis’s daughter get a job at Scotland Yard. Yates told the press this morning that he saw no reason to walk…

One thing that has been extremely noticeable today is the complete lack of Tory MPs coming out to bat for Cameron. Boris kicked him below the belt earlier and the rolling news channels, that have discussed nothing else today, have been void of any friendly blue faces. Even Nick Clegg had to be put out to say that the Prime Minister had no need to resign. Talk about scraping the barrel.

James Forsyth has also picked up on the silence and notes that the phones are extremely quiet too. The PM’s TV man Craig Oliver is in Africa with Cameron, but that is not an excuse for allowing the narrative that the PM walking is actually a possibility to gain traction. The Guardian are even suggesting that the PM should be knifed by the LibDems in order to save their electoral fortunes. Guido isn’t so sure that making, and then breaking Cameron, would do the yellows any favours. It is very telling that people are not willing to put their heads above the parapet though, this could be worse than it looks for the Prime Minister. Where’s George? Hague? Hammond?

Rather than be suspended Guido hears that the imminent announcement will be that he is walking. Get the popcorn.

UPDATE: Sky confirm.

UPDATE II: Always relied upon to help out his old friend, Boris was just asked at his press conference whether Cameron should consider his position regarding his employment of Andy Coulson. Boris replied that he wasn’t “here to talk about government appointments”. On repeated questioning the Mayor essentially told hacks that this was Downing Street’s problem so they should ask them. Ouch…

UPDATE III: That Boris knife in full:

“I’m not here to discuss government appointments. Those questions you must address to government. I don’t think there’s a very clear read across” [from Sir Paul Stephenson hiring Neil Wallis to Mr Cameron hiring Andy Coulson]. This is a matter you must address to No 10 Downing Street.”

Norman Smith will replace Laura Kuenssberg after she jumped to ITV. Though you may not recognise the face, his dulcet tones have served him well as Radio 4’s chief political correspondent. Guido understands there was a bit of a “bun fight” for the job, with lots of hats in the ring. 

You can follow Norman on Twittter here, though he might want to change his username now…

BBCNormanS surely?

It remains to be seen whether he decides to fall on his truncheon.

Developing…