David Cameron has issued a "full and frank" apology after his former director of communications Andy Coulson was found guilty of plotting to hack phones.
The Prime Minister, who brought Coulson into the heart of Downing Street, said: "I take full responsibility for employing Andy Coulson.
"I did so on the basis of undertakings I was given by him about phone hacking and those turned out not to be the case.
"I always said that if they turned out to be wrong, I would make a full and frank apology and I did that today. I am extremely sorry that I employed him. It was the wrong decision and I am very clear about that."
Coulson resigned from No.10 in 2011 amid continuing pressure over his role in the hacking scandal.
After Mr Coulson was arrested in July of that year, the Prime Minister told Parliament: "I have an old-fashioned view about innocent until proven guilty. But if it turns out I have been lied to, that would be the moment for a profound apology."
He added: "In that event, I can tell you I will not fall short."
Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls earlier said the verdict showed a "terrible error of judgement" on the part of No. 10.
He asked Chancellor George Osborne whether he agreed the verdict damaged the reputation of the Treasury and himself, and Mr Osborne said he would study the verdict before commenting.
