Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dacre makes move at Mail

Jane Robins
Friday 18 September 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE HOUSE of Rothermere yesterday moved into a new era with the replacement of Mail on Sunday editor Jonathan Holborow with Peter Wright, the deputy editor of the Daily Mail.

The move is the first big change in the executive structure of Associated Newspapers since the deaths this summer of its owner Viscount Rothermere, and his right-hand man Sir David English.

The new Viscount Rothermere, Jonathan Harmsworth, 30, is now working closely with newly-appointed editor-in-chief Paul Dacre, and the decision on Mr Holborow's departure is seen as Mr Dacre's first attempt to make his mark under the new regime.

Mr Wright is a close friend and loyal deputy of Mr Dacre, and has worked with him for many years.

Mail on Sunday journalists were not surprised by the departure of Mr Holborow, who will take early retirement. The move had been expected since the death of Lord Rothermere, and the consequent rise of Paul Dacre. However a Mail on Sunday executive commented yesterday: "How on earth is Dacre going to explain to shareholders why he's sacked Britain's most successful editor?"

Under Mr Holborow, who edited the Mail on Sunday for six years, the paper has been an resounding success in terms of circulation.

However, there has been concern within the group that it has been too dull.

Others express surprise at how soon Mr Dacre has moved to make his mark. Attention is now focused on the fate of Max Hastings, the editor of the London Evening Standard, another paper in the Associated stable.

Fleet Street gossip has it that he might be the next to have his fate, and his record on the paper, weighed by Mr Dacre.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in