Marr Quits As Independent Editor

It has just emerged that Andrew Marr has resigned from his position as editor-in-chief of the Independent newspapers. He will be replaced by Simon Kelner, who is currently editor of the Mail on Sunday‘s Night & Day supplement. Ian Birrell will join as deputy editor from the Daily Mail where he is currently executive editor. Both appointments will be effective from next week.

As reported on Marr Rumoured To Be Quitting Independent earlier today, it was rumoured that Marr was unhappy with the imminent appointment of Kelner and had threatened to resign if it went ahead.

The changing editorship at the newspapers could not have come at a worse time. It was hoped that the acquisition by Tony O’Reilly’s Independent Newspapers (see Independent Gets New Owner) would provide some much needed stability for the titles. Since then, however, the Independent has had Marr, Boycott and now Kelner in the editor’s seat – in the space of eight weeks.

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