A veteran political journalist is leaving a regional publisher after almost three decades of service for a senior role with an independent competitor.

Martin Shipton is moving from the Reach plc-owned Western Mail to become associate editor at Nation.Cymru.

Martin, pictured, has been the Cardiff-based Mail’s political editor-at-large since 2020 and spent 18 years prior to that as its chief reporter.

He was previously chief reporter at the Mail’s sister title Wales on Sunday, which he had joined in 1994.

Mail editor Catrin Pascoe said: “I would like to thank Martin for his remarkable service, particularly for Wales on Sunday and the Western Mail as chief reporter then political editor-at-large.

“Throughout those 29 years, he has proved resolute in producing journalism that matters to Wales – pursuing his stories with a tireless commitment to journalistic scrutiny and to holding power to account. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Martin said: “Working for Wales on Sunday and then the Western Mail over such a long period has been a great privilege and I have enjoyed working with talented colleagues.

“I strongly believe that quality journalism is desperately needed in every democracy and that the primary responsibility of any news outlet is to keep readers informed of how decisions made by the powerful have an impact on their lives.”

In an interview with his new employer, he added: “I am excited to be joining Nation.Cymru, which has quickly established itself as a Welsh news outlet that delivers high-quality content and treats its readers with respect.

“I like the fact that its sole loyalty is to the people of Wales and look forward to helping it grow further.”

Nation.Cymru launched in 2017 and describes itself as an “English language national news service for Wales”.

Chief executive Mark Mansfield said: “I am thrilled to welcome Martin to our team. He is widely regarded as the best political journalist in Wales, and securing his services is a major coup for us.

“He brings huge experience and knowledge to the team, and his work will be an invaluable addition to our coverage of Welsh politics and current affairs. I can’t wait to see his first piece for us at the weekend.”