The Press Complaints Commission is looking for someone with no current or recent links with the newspaper or magazine publishing business to replace current chairman Baroness Buscombe.

The ideal candidate was outlined in a job advert published on the press watchdog’s website on Monday. Baroness Buscombe recently announced that she will step down from the position in January following criticism over her handling of the News of The World phone hacking scandal.

The advert states: ‘The incoming chairman will need to lead a period of regeneration and renewal for the commission.’

They will also need to be ‘an exceptionally effective public performer, able to speak on behalf of the commission across the media and to command attention on a wide stage.’

It also asks for  ‘a highly respected figure who is demonstrably independent of the newspaper industry and can work effectively with politicians and lawyers.’

The future of the watchdog remains unclear in the lead up t public inquiry into press regulation in light of the  phone-hacking scandal.