New Statesman editor quits job

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The editor of left-leaning political magazine The New Statesman has quit the job with immediate effect.

John Kampfner, an ex-BBC reporter, has edited the magazine since May 2005. He was previously its political editor.

Mr Kampfner oversaw a glossy relaunch of the magazine and its website, which saw it claim a boost in circulation.

The magazine's chairman, Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, "emphasised" the departure had not been caused by editorial disagreements.

"The New Statesman would emphasise that the departure of the editor has nothing at all to do with editorial policy and the new editor when appointed will enjoy the same total editorial independence as have John and previous editors.

"On a personal level I would like to thank John for his efforts on behalf of the magazine and to wish him well for the future."

'Remarkable' staff

In a statement, Mr Kampfner said: "This has been a memorable period for the New Statesman and I am pleased to have played my part.

"I would like to pay tribute to a remarkable editorial staff, which contains some of the most talented and assiduous journalists in the UK.

"I am confident that in the right circumstances, the New Statesman will prosper in the future."

Mr Kampfner has also worked for the Financial Times and Daily Telegraph. Deputy editor Sue Matthias has taken the role of the New Statesman acting editor.