The hunt is on for a new head of the Press Complaints Commission today after the announcement that Sir Christopher Meyer is to stand down as chairman after six years.

The former Downing Street press secretary and British Ambassador in Washington will leave the press watchdog at the end of March 2009 on completion of his second three-year term in the role.

Sir Christopher said he was leaving the job reinforced in the belief that self-regulation is “the only form of regulation compatible with a free press in a democratic society.”

His successor will be appointed by Press Board of Finance (PressBoF), the industry body which oversees the PCC. The position will be advertised shortly.

Sir Christopher said today: “I have found the challenge of strengthening the independence, effectiveness and credibility of self-regulation as stimulating and demanding as any job I did as a diplomat.

“Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of all at Halton House, the PCC has made a lot of progress in the last few years and today provides a service to record numbers of the public.

“But more remains to be done, especially in the digital age, and it is right that, after six years as chairman, I should pass the baton to a successor.

“I came into this job convinced that self-regulation administered by an independent PCC was the only system of regulation compatible with a free press in a democratic society. I will leave the PCC reinforced in that belief.”

Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler, chairman PressBoF added: “Since his appointment Christopher has made an immense contribution to self-regulation.

“Among other initiatives, he was a prime mover in bringing self-regulation of editorial audio-visual material on newspaper and magazine websites within the PCC’s remit.

“Political and public confidence in the self regulatory system for newspapers and magazines is a tribute to the way Sir Christopher has led the PCC since his appointment.

“We continue to be greatly indebted to Sir Christopher for his ongoing and outstanding leadership of the Commission and its staff.”

Known for his trademark red socks, Sir Christopher courted controversy last year by publishing an autobiographical memoir of his time as ambassador in Washington entitled DC Confidential.

The book, which lifted the lid on supposedly confidential discussions between politicians and diplomats, was serialised in several national newspapers, leading some to question his fitness for the PCC role.

But he won plaudits for the strong line taken by the PCC in warning-off paparazzi pursuing Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton.

His principal legacy as chairman is likely to be the retention of the system of self-regulation. At the time he took over, it was seriously in question but both main political parties are now committed to keeping it.