The National Union of Journalists has unveiled an eight-person shortlist for the job of editing its house newspaper.

Union members will elect the next editor of The Journalist in a ballot due to be completed next month.

Former Times industrial correspondent Christine Buckley is seeking a fourth five-year term in the role she has held since 2009.

But she faces competition from seven other hopefuls, including Phil Creighton who has recently stepped down as editor of weekly titles Wokingham Today and Reading Today.

Also in the running for the part-time post is Brian Pelan, the editor of Belfast-based hyperlocal title The View.

The other shortlisted applicants are Sean Bell, Tessa Clarke, Gerard Cunningham, Helen Parton and Craig Thomas.

Ballot papers have already been circulated and the closing date for receipt of ballots is Monday 12th August with the result due to be announced the following day.

The Journalist is published six times a year and aims to give members comprehensive news and features about their industries and the union’s activities.

Announcing his shortlisting on X, Phil wrote: “I’ve been shortlisted for the role of editor of the #NUJ house magazine The Journalist. There are some brilliant people also standing in this members’ election, but I’d like to think my proposals will win the vote.

“I am passionate about journalism – be it on TV, on radio, in print or online – and the publishing industry, and have been a union member for as long as I can remember.  Editing The Journalist would be an honour and a challenge, especially in these times.”

Statements from all eight candidates can be found here: https://www.nuj.org.uk/resource/editor-of-the-journalist-shortlisted-candidates.html