27 September 2022

Who will replace Britain’s longest-serving newspaper editor?

John Witherow has stepped down as editor of the Times. The succession pits an “old-school news hound” against an approachable, modern boss.

By William Turvill

Tony Gallagher, the present deputy editor of the Times, is thought to have established himself as editor-in-waiting over the summer. Photo by Jose Sarmento Matos/New York Times/Redux/eyevine

Change is coming at the Times. After months of gossip and speculation John Witherow announced today (27 September) that he was stepping down with immediate effect as editor of the newspaper, after nearly a decade in the role.

Witherow has been on medical leave since June. Staff have not heard much from him in the meantime, although some spotted him in a box at Wimbledon, while Kelvin MacKenzie, former editor of the Sun, claimed on Twitter that Witherow had recently flown to Montana to thrash out an exit agreement with Rupert Murdoch, who owns the newspaper. Witherow returned today to Times HQ, the News Building near London Bridge station, to break the news to staff, who gathered outside his office at midday.