In a significant shake-up for the political landscape, former government minister Michael Gove is set to become the new editor of The Spectator, following its acquisition by hedge fund tycoon and GB News supporter Sir Paul Marshall. Gove will officially step into the role at the start of October, as announced by Freddie Sayers, the magazine’s publisher and chief executive of the new owner, OQS.
Sayers expressed confidence in Gove’s suitability for the role on X (formerly Twitter), stating he is “perfectly suited” to guide the influential publication. Gove, who previously served as a Conservative MP and stepped down from Parliament following the recent general election, brings a wealth of journalistic experience to the position, having been a journalist before entering politics.
Gove’s appointment comes after final approval from Acoba, the advisory committee on business appointments, which oversees former ministers transitioning to new roles after leaving government. He will succeed Fraser Nelson, who is stepping down after an impressive 15-year tenure. Nelson will remain with The Spectator as an associate editor and continue contributing articles.
In his farewell note, Nelson praised Gove as “the clear successor,” highlighting his first-class journalism credentials and noting that Gove’s career path is unique in that he “took a detour into politics” rather than transitioning from journalism to politics, as is often the case. Nelson’s departure coincides with the magazine’s recent change in ownership and follows the exit of Andrew Neil as chairman earlier this month.
Having first been elected MP for Surrey Heath in 2005, Gove has held various prominent positions in the governments of David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak. He announced his decision to step down from Parliament in May, amidst a wave of Conservative MPs departing ahead of the upcoming elections.
Gove’s new role comes at a pivotal time for The Spectator, which recently changed hands for a hefty £100 million. Sir Paul Marshall outbid around 20 other contenders to acquire the magazine, which was once edited by Boris Johnson. The sale followed a collapsed bid backed by Abu Dhabi, after government legislation was introduced to prevent foreign states from owning UK newspapers.
Founded in 1828, The Spectator is one of the oldest political and current affairs magazines globally, and its influence remains significant in shaping political discourse. Sayers also announced the appointment of Charles Moore, a former Spectator editor, as the magazine’s non-executive chairman, with a specific mandate to safeguard editorial independence and maintain the publication’s integrity.
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