A former regional daily editor has quit his role as the Tories’ head of media in the European Parliament to launch his own transnational political PR company.

John Furbisher, pictured left, formerly of Sheffield title The Star, will launch Furbisher Media in October when he steps down from his current Brussels-based role with the Conservatives.

His new venture, which will operate in both the UK and Belgium, will offer political PR and public affairs services, particularly with a European dimension.

John’s move, which comes after four years in his present position, was announced to MEPs at their Conservative delegation meeting last week.

He said: “This has been a wonderful job. There is probably only politics that can equal the buzz of running a really good editorial team, and political PR has given me the best of both worlds.

“Now I plan to use that experience to offer bespoke services to politicians and organisations through my own company Furbisher Media.

“Part of the work will be providing consultancy to MEPs on an individual basis, but we will also be offering advice on public-affairs and communication strategy to companies and campaign groups.

“I have been looking for the right time to make the move. After a good result in the European elections last year and a spectacular one in the General Election last week, this seemed like a good opportunity to leave on a high.”

John quit the editorship of The Star, then Johnston Press’s biggest-selling daily title, in 2011.

Prior to that he was editor at the Evening Courier in Halifax, deputy editor at The Yorkshire Post and a staff reporter at the Sunday Times.