The Newspaper Conference – made up of London-based represenatives of regional newspapers – has a new chairman in the shape of Graeme Demianyk.

Graeme, London editor of the Western Morning News since 2010, takes over from Nick Lester, political correspondent with Northcliffe Media.

He said:  “I am delighted to have been appointed chairman of the Newspaper Conference and would like to thank Nick Lester for all his excellent work representing regional reporters in Westminster over the past year.

“Local and regional newspapers have a vital role to play in holding those in power to account and fighting for transparency in both local and central Government on behalf of their readers. As well as performing this crucial role, the Newspaper Conference also ensures that the regional press has a highly visible presence in Westminster and that politicians and civil servants are kept updated with key developments in the industry.”

Graeme, who joined the Morning News in 2002 as a business reporter, took up the role at the Conference’s annual general meeting on Monday.

The meeting also saw Joe Watts, newly-appointed political editor of the Eastern Daily Press, elected deputy chairman.