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Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major has slammed the way UK leaders such as David Cameron and Tony Blair have courted media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, calling it "undignified". Sir John, his evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, said it was dangerous for politicians to have an "artificial friendship" with newspaper chiefs. He was strongly critical of Murdoch, saying his influence was an "unattractive facet in British national life". According to The Telegraph, Sir John's cautious attitude contrasts with Cameron's social contact with the Murdoch family and friendship with Rebekah Brooks, the former boss of News International. "I don't think it is the role of the prime minister to court the press and I think it is undignified if it is done a little too obviously," the paper quoted Sir John, as saying. Meanwhile, Cameron is expected to be asked whether he was too cosy with Murdoch's executives when he gives evidence to the inquiry on Thursday. It has emerged that Cameron was lent a retired police horse to go riding with Brooks, enjoyed dinner parties at their Oxfordshire houses and signed off text messages with LOL - "lots of love".

Sir John Major slams 'undignified' way Cameron, Blair courted Murdoch