Simon Sapper from the Communication Workers’ Union has joined the Press Complaints Commission.

Simon, who is assistant secretary with the CWU, will sit on the PCC’s board as a lay member and take part in rulings and meetings.

The appointment follows the retirement from the Commission of Rear Admiral Nick Wilkinson.

PCC chairman Sir Christopher Meyer said: “I have no doubt that Simon will be an outstanding member of the Commission, and add an interesting and important new perspective to our work.

“I am very pleased to welcome him on board. I would also like to thank Nick Wilkinson for all his work and dedication to the PCC over the last three years”.

Simon said: “I am looking forward to helping the Commission be as representative and effective as possible as it deals with well established but resurgent issues like privacy and the challenges of new media.

“I have already been impressed by the quality of the PCC’s output and organisation.”

There have also been movements within the PCC’s full-time staff.

Stephen Abell – formerly one of two assistant directors along with William Gore – is promoted to deputy director while Williams is the new public affairs director.