The editor of four sister weeklies is set to leave his role to become news editor of a national news website.

Ramzy Alwakeel, who currently edits Archant London titles the Islington Gazette, Hackney Gazette, Hampstead & Highgate Express and the Brent & Kilburn Times, will join digital-only operation HuffPost UK on 11 November.

Ramzy, pictured, has edited the two Gazette titles since February 2016, adding the Ham & High and the Times to his portfolio 18 months ago.

His successor is yet to be announced.

Speaking to HTFP, Ramzy said: “It’s been the best job I’ve ever had and it was a really, really hard decision to leave. I love local news and would challenge anyone to find a better set of papers than our titles in north London.

“My team has been a dream to work with and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve all achieved in the last few years. I’ll miss them all horribly.”

Of his new role, he added: “HuffPost isn’t just chasing the same stories and clicks as everyone else, but setting its own news agenda with original investigations and reporting actual people’s stories and experiences – the same values that make local news so vital and irreplaceable.

“I’m excited to work with lots of new communities across Britain and I hope we can do them justice at a time when there is such a strong need for diverse public interest journalism. Only one way to find out.”

At HuffPost, Ramzy joins former Archant London journalist Emma Youle, who is now the website’s special correspondent, as well as former Lancashire Post investigative reporter Aasma Day, the title’s North of England correspondent.

Jess Brammar, executive editor of HuffPost UK, said: “HuffPost UK is focused on original and distinctive local journalism. With Ramzy’s background in covering local communities, he will be a perfect fit in our team and I am so excited that he is joining to help lead the news team.”

Editor in chief Jimmy Leach added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Ramzy to our team at this exciting time for HuffPost UK. His deep knowledge and understanding of reporting on stories of both local and national importance, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the team that embodies everything we stand for.”