Lord Wakeham has permanently left his job as chairman of the Press Complaints Commission, weeks after stepping aside "as a matter of honour" because of his ongoing involvement in the Enron inquiry. He asked to be released from his contract.

He was a director of the collapsed company and faces questions from the US senate about his involvement. It could take years to clear his name.

Professor Robert Pinker took over the chairman's job when Lord Wakeham stood aside ten weeks ago and will continue in the role until September when Wakeham's contract officially ends and a successor is announced.

A change of leadership could spell changes in the way the PCC - a self-regulation body for the UK press - operates.

Under Lord Wakeham the PCC has steered clear of threats of statutory regulation of the press.

It has recently come in for criticism because it is not seen as independent and some observers feel it cares more for the interests of the press than the public who come into contact with newspapers. The treatment of complaints about intrusion of celebrities' lives has also come in for criticism.

The media ethics charity Presswise said when Lord Wakeham stood aside: "Because it is financed by the industry, because its Code is drawn up by editors, and because it lacks any disciplinary powers, the inevitable impression has been given that this is a cosy club in which the rules are weighted against the complainants - unless they happen to reside in Downing Street or Buckingham Palace."

The selection of a new chairman will be overseen by a sub-committee and Professor Pinker is not expected to put his name forward for the role on a permanent basis.

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