Tony Gallagher has today been appointed deputy editor of The Times as he steps down as editor in chief of The Sun after four years.

Victoria Newton, currently editor of The Sun on Sunday, is appointed editor in chief of The Sun.

Keith Poole, currently digital editor of The Sun, is appointed deputy editor in chief of The Sun.

Tony will edit his final edition of The Sun on Friday and each will commence their new roles on Monday February 10.

Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman, News Corp said:

“As editor of The Sun, Tony Gallagher has expertly steered the paper through two elections and the many dimensions of Brexit, ensuring that the news is always engaging and relevant for our readers. He is a newsman to his core and has edited with conviction, skill and energy. His experience across Fleet St titles will be an asset to The Times.”

Robert Thomson, chief executive, News Corp said:

“Tony is one of the great British journalists, with an extraordinary record of leadership across a range of newspapers. He has edited The Sun with integrity, creativity and aplomb. His vast experience and incisive intelligence and boundless energy will be real assets at The Times, which is a peerless purveyor of journalism of the highest quality.”

Rebekah Brooks, CEO, News UK said:

“I would like to thank Tony for his time as editor in chief of The Sun. Over the last four years, Tony has shown commitment and passion, editing through an exceptional news agenda and the paper’s 50^th anniversary.  He joins John Witherow on The Times where they will make a formidable team.”

John Witherow, editor of The Times said:

“Tony is a newshound and one of the most dextrous and skilled editors in the trade.  I am delighted to appoint him as my deputy and look forward to working with him.”

Tony Gallagher said:

“It has been the honour of a lifetime to edit The Sun and a great privilege to work alongside its outstanding staff.  I am hugely grateful to Rupert, Robert and Rebekah for their incredible support and am delighted to be joining The Times, the first paper I subscribed to as a child.”

Victoria Newton started at The Sun over 20 years ago and has held a variety of roles including editor of Bizarre and Saturday editor. She has been editor of The Sun on Sunday since 2013. Keith Poole joined The Sun as digital editor in 2016 at the point the paywall was taken down.  The site has subsequently become the number one commercial news website in the UK. The appointments herald the next chapter in the evolution of Britain’s biggest news brand.

Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman, News Corp said:

“Victoria Newton has given Britain’s top-selling Sunday newspaper The Sun on Sunday its own identity, striving to connect communities and bringing both insight and entertainment to readers each weekend.  Victoria cares about Sun readers lives and her campaigning spirit has won her much praise.”

“As a newspaperman and digital expert, Keith Poole has a natural sense of what stories our readers are interested in and he has driven The Sun Online to be the number one commercial news site in the UK. They will make a fantastic duo at the helm of The Sun as we continue to serve our current readers and to reach new audiences digitally.”

Robert Thomson, chief executive, News Corp said:

“Victoria is a thoughtful, perspicacious leader, whose empathetic editorial approach will enhance The Sun’s unique connection with its millions of readers. Popular papers are popular for a reason, in that they forge close relationships with readers and communities, and Victoria will bring a true understanding of contemporary Britain and its imperatives to the role. She is a fearless campaigner for her readers and for her society.

“Keith Poole is globally recognized as one of the leading digital journalists of our age, and his expertise and unwavering commitment to quality will now be deployed across both print and digital platforms at The Sun.”

Rebekah Brooks, CEO, News UK, said:

“Over close to two decades at The Sun, Victoria has shown her expertise in crafting newspapers that are bold and exciting and delivering scoops that set the news agenda. She has a brilliant record of exposing injustices and campaigning with compassion.

“Keith is a driven journalist and has expertly built The Sun Online, upholding standards and maintaining the unique voice of The Sun while driving our content to new audiences.  I wish them both the best of success in these well-deserved roles.”

Victoria Newton said:

“It is such a privilege to be given the chance to edit The Sun at an incredibly exciting time in Britain. The People’s Paper has been such a huge part of my life.  I feel humbled at the thought of helping build the newsroom of the future, to serve our readers across the globe. I can’t wait to get started!”

Keith Poole said:

“To be given the opportunity to drive The Sun’s future success, however people read us, is an immense honour and thrilling challenge.”

Victoria Newton will report to News UK CEO, Rebekah Brooks.