A journalist turned police press officer has returned to the regional press to take charge of a daily title’s newsdesk.

James Butler has announced he has joined the Newsquest-owned Southern Daily Echo as its news editor.

James, pictured, previously worked for Johnston Press and PA before joining Hampshire Constabulary as a communications officer two years ago.

He announced his return to journalism in a post on LinkedIn.

James wrote: “Excited to announce that next month I’ll be joining the Daily Echo as news editor.

“Working in the fast-paced world of police comms for the last couple of years has taught me a lot, and I’m grateful to my managers and colleagues for all their support.

“Given my career background, it is no surprise that one the most enjoyable aspects of this job has been working with local media outlets and in particular getting to know the reporters at the Echo.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the team and heading back into an industry I feel so passionate about.”

James began his career as a features writer on the Portsmouth News in 2014.

In his new role, he will team up again with former News colleague Ben Fishwick, who is now editor of the Southampton-based Echo.

From 2016 to 2020 James was a senior reporter for Johnston Press and its successor JPIMedia, working on the Worthing Herald and Littlehampton Gazette.

He then moved to London at the end of 2020 to work as a senior real life features writer at PA for five months, before going into public relations the following year.