The chief executive of broadcasting regulator Ofcom is to stand down at the end of the year after eight years in chare.

Ed Richards, a former adviser to Tony Blair, will leave in December and the search for his replacement is already under way.

He said: “It has been a privilege to lead Ofcom during such an exciting and dynamic period in the evolution of the UK’s communications sector.

“It is never easy leaving a job that you enjoy greatly but I have always felt that once I had completed eight years as chief executive this would be the right time to move on.”

Ofcom chairman Patricia Hodgson added: “Ed has been an outstanding chief executive. Under his leadership, Ofcom has helped to deliver superfast broadband, 4G, lower prices, innovation, competition, and sustainable public service broadcasting in the UK.

“He leaves an impressive legacy. On behalf of the board I would like to thank him for his enormous contribution.”