A business reporter has been promoted to run a regional daily’s opinion offering following the death of a senior editorial figure.

Ismail Mulla has been unveiled as the new comment editor of the Yorkshire Post after eight years working on the Leeds-based daily’s business coverage.

His promotion comes after Tom Richmond, the title’s previous opinion editor, died in post earlier this year aged 52.

Ismail, pictured, joined the Post in 2014 with an internship scheme funded by The Printing Charity and was taken on full-time the following year.

Announcing his new role on Twitter, Ismail wrote: “They’re big shoes to fill but I’ll look to put my own stamp on the role.

“Looking forward to helping shape campaigns that are important to this region and give Yorkshire a voice in the corridors of power.”

Ismail went on to thank Post colleagues including outgoing head of business and features Mark Casci, deputy business editor Greg Wright, city editor Ros Snowdon and journalists Lizzie Murphy and John Grainger.

He added: “A huge thank you to colleagues past and present for making this boy from Dewsbury feel at home on business.”

Speaking to HTFP, Ismail said: “I’m pleased to be taking up the position of comment editor at The Yorkshire Post. When I joined the title eight years ago, as an intern through The Printing Charity, I never thought I’d end up in such an important role.

“Being entrusted as the comment editor means that much more to me because it was the post previously held by my late friend, colleague and mentor, Tom Richmond.

“There will never be another Tom. He was a titan of the newsroom and a fierce champion for the region.

“I hope to continue that tradition of representing our readers.

“A big thank you to all my colleagues past and present on the business desk. It’s been a joy to be a part of the team.”