David has taken over from Lindsay Coulson, who left on 11 June to take up a new post in the Westminster City Council press office.

He announced his arrival with a message to readers in which he owned up to being a Liverpool supporter.

"I am originally from St Helens in the North-West of England, but Harrow has been my home for the last two years, and I could not think of a more interesting place to live in London," he said.

"Some of you might have the misfortune to see me as I run about the borough sweating, in a vague effort to get fit, while keeping an eye out for any potential stories.

"But generally I enjoy watching football, especially Liverpool, cricket and rugby league, as well as cooking, cinema and trying to get something edible to grow in my garden."

David said it was an "exciting time" to be moving to the Observer, with its website growing in popularity by the day.

There will shortly be more changes at the North London weekly with the departures of sports editor John Comfort and news editor Emily Twinch.