Former chancellor Osborne named editor of London Evening Standard

George Osborne has been named as the new editor of the London Evening Standard newspaper, but the Conservative MP has stated his intention to continue his role in the House of Commons rather than open the party to a byelection in his Tatton seat.

The former Chancellor of the Exchequer will take up the post at the capital's daily paper following current editor Sarah Sands’ move to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

Evening Standard owner Evgeny Lebedev, who also owns the Independent group of newspapers, announced the news on Friday morning via Twitter, with an official announcement coming via the paper’s website afterwards.

Osborne served as David Cameron’s chancellor for six years before leaving the post in the aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union last June.

"This is such an exciting and challenging job and I’m thrilled to take it on,” Osborne said on Friday.

Osborne affirmed his intention to remain as an MP while simultaneously working as the editor of one of London’s most influential dailies.

“I was elected by my constituents in Tatton to serve them and I intend to fulfil that promise,” Osborne said. “I remain passionate about the northern powerhouse and will continue to promote that cause.

Lebedev hailed Osborne’s accomplishments in public office, citing him as the “obvious” choice to lead the newspaper’s team.

“In George, we have appointed someone of huge political achievement, and economic and cultural authority. Once he put himself forward for the position, he was the obvious choice.”

The appointment was called a “kick in the teeth” by a senior source from the Standard, Buzzfeed reported.

"It is a kick in the teeth for all hard-working journalists who dream of editing a newspaper one day after years of toil, and does nothing for our negative reputation as a Tory mouthpiece."

Political experts have placed doubt over Osborne's ability to hold political office and be the chief of such an influential newspaper at the same time.

"While many MPs have other sources of employment, such a high-profile, demanding and prominent position would arguably make his continued role as an MP very difficult and potentially untenable," said Dr Ben Williams, a politics and political theory lecturer at the University of Salford.

"Consequently, there will be growing calls for him to stand down and force a parliamentary by-election," Williams added.