New editor for the Evening Standard

Max Hastings, Editor of the Evening Standard, is to leave the newspaper in February after six years at the helm.

Mr Hastings, 56, who first worked for the Evening Standard in 1965 before becoming a broadcaster, writer and later editor of the Daily Telegraph, is standing down to devote himself to full-time writing. Later in the year he will start a weekly column for the Daily Mail.

The Standard's new editor will be Veronica Wadley, 49, currently Deputy Editor (Features) of the Daily Mail.

Paul Dacre, Editor in Chief of Associated Newspapers, said: "Max Hastings has brought great distinction to the editorship of the Evening Standard over the last six years and I have no doubt he will make a tremendous contribution to the Daily Mail in the future. I am delighted that Veronica Wadley, who has worked for me for the last three years and who is a brilliant professional journalist, is succeeding him."

Mr Hastings said: "It has been a huge pleasure and privilege to edit the Evening Standard for the past six years. It is now being passed on to the best possible hands and I would like to offer Veronica Wadley and the Evening Standard the very best of luck."