The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is on the lookout for a new editor with Christopher Hird set to step down after 18 months.

Chris, left, took over the Bureau on an interim basis when the previous editor, Iain Overton, resigned over the organisation’s involvement in a BBC programme which falsely claimed that a senior Conservative politician was a paedophile.

Now the hunt is on for a new managing editor with the vision, insight, and skills to lead the Bureau into the future.

James Lee, chair of the trustees, said: “Christo has done a great job, for which we owe him great thanks. He has paved the way and made it possible for us to take the next great leap forward.

“This is an exciting challenge for an ambitious journalist, who has the editorial instincts and experience of conventional investigative journalism, as well as the will and the ability to grasp the opportunities created by new technology.”

Chris added:  “I have had a fantastic time at the Bureau since I arrived in January 2013, working with a great team, and helping put the Bureau back on the journalistic map. But I think the time is now right to hand it over to someone who will lead it into the next period of development and growth.”