A former chief reporter for The Sun newspaper has been charged with conspiring to commit misconduct in public office.

John Kay, a 69-year-old journalist, of Asmuns Hill, Golders Green, answered bail at a north London police station this morning.

He was charged with conspiring with Ministry of Defence official Bettina Jordan-Barber and former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks, along with others, to commit misconduct in public office between January 1, 2004 and January 31, 2012.

He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 29.