Stephen Abell was today confirmed as the new director of the Press Complaints Commission in succession to Tim Toulmin who is leaving at the end of the year.

Currently the deputy director, Mr Abell’s appointment was announced by PCC chairman, Baroness Peta Buscombe.

She said: “We interviewed a shortlist of four excellent candidates, but we were unanimous in concluding that Stephen has the breadth of experience and ideas for the future to make him the right person to succeed Tim Toulmin as director of the PCC.

“I am very pleased that he has agreed to take on the position, and look forward to continue working with him.”

Mr Abell said: “I very much look forward to the challenge of being director of the PCC. I think that the Commission performs a vital service in helping people, and I am proud to be responsible for developing its reach and role in the future.”

Mr Toulmin added: “Stephen has been an outstanding and imaginative deputy who will make a superb director. I am delighted that he will succeed me.”