The Independent Press Standards Organisation has announced Charlotte Dewar (pictured) as its new chief executive.

Dewar was previously the director of operations at IPSO for five years and has been acting chief executive since Matt Tee’s departure in February.

She said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as chief executive. Well-regulated, accountable journalism is more important than ever. I look forward to leading IPSO’s work enforcing the high standards set by the Editors’ Code, supporting the public, and upholding freedom of expression.”

IPSO has also appointed Brendan McGinty, former editor of Glasgow’s Sunday Mail, Lara Fielden, former Ofcom broadcasting regulator, Eddie Gray, ex-president of GlaxoSmithKline’s European pharmaceutical business and Charles Garside, a journalist for over 50 years, to their lay-majority Board.

They will replace Anne Lapping CBE, Charles McGhee, Charles Wilson and Rick Hill MBE.

Lord Edward Faulks QC, chairman of IPSO said: “I congratulate Charlotte upon her appointment, extend my thanks to those departing the Board, and welcome the new members.

“At such an unprecedented time, I am confident the wealth of experience and insights offered by the new appointees will strengthen the organisation and assist IPSO’s continued delivery of robust, independent press regulation.”

The new Board members were appointed by an independent appointments panel and will take up their posts in September 2020.