The former political editor of the now-shuttered News of the World is set to join the world of communications practitioners, it has been announced today.

Ian Kirby was previously the political editor and the assistant editor (politics) at the paper, which closed after revelations of phone-hacking in 2011. He will join MHP Communications as a director and will advise at a senior level.

"MHP is an exciting, fast-moving company, and I am very proud to be joining the firm at this critical time," says Kirby. "I hope that my own experience in Westminster and on Fleet Street will benefit both the company and our clients and am particularly looking forward to the challenge of developing new campaigns and media strategies for them both.”

Gavin Devine, chief executive of MHP Communications says: “We are delighted that Ian has joined our senior team in London.  He has huge experience at the very highest levels in the media and in reporting on the political world.”