Outgoing Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre will deliver this year’s Society of Editors annual lecture.

Paul, left, who announced he was stepping aside as editor this year after 26 years at the helm of the Mail, will launch the society’s 2018 conference in the autumn.

The conference will take place in Manchester, on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 November with the theme ‘The Trust Factor – And How to Fund It’.

SoE executive director Ian Murray described Paul’s acceptance of an invitation to speak as a “tremendous coup”.

Ian added: “Whatever your politics, there is no denying that the Daily Mail has been a power in the land under his editorship: always impactful, often controversial, never timid and tremendously effective.

“We could not ask for a better start to what I am certain will once again be a tremendous conference.”

The conference will start with the president’s reception and society lecture followed by an evening networking buffet on 4 November at the Lowry Hotel.

The full-day conference takes place the following day at the same location.

Ian added: “I can think of no more fitting place to stage this year’s conference than the vibrant city of Manchester which continues to be a focal point for the regeneration of not just the proud city itself but the region as a whole.”

Members can take advantage of early bird rates of £499+VAT for full conference and accommodation if booked by Friday 7 September.

Full conference including accommodation for non-members booked before 7 September is £549+VAT, and rates can be found online here.