As reported by the Newspaper Society: Jon took up the role at the Conference’s AGM on Thursday which followed a lunch with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls.
Jon replaces Graeme Demianyk, London editor of the Western Morning News, who was appointed vice chairman.
Jon has worked in the regional lobby for 10 years, and currently writes for The Birmingham Post, Birmingham Mail and Coventry Telegraph. He was previously education correspondent for The Birmingham Post.
Jon said: “I am pleased to take on the important role chairman of the Newspaper Conference and continuing Graeme’s excellent work as ambassador for the regional press industry in Westminster.
“The Conference provides communities across the UK with a powerful voice to address those at the heart of Government, while acting a valuable platform for the regional press industry to speak directly to Westminster politicians.”
The AGM also saw Jack Blanchard, political editor of the Yorkshire Post, appointed deputy chairman.
Regional press journalists from titles including the Southern Daily Echo, Eastern Daily Press, Northern Echo, Hull Daily Mail and Sunday Post quizzed the Shadow Chancellor at the lunch before the AGM last week.
The Newspaper Conference comprises London editors and political correspondents of newspapers in membership of the Newspaper Society.
The Conference revolves around a series of lunch meetings, at which senior politicians are invited to address members and answer questions relevant to regional newspapers.
The Newspaper Conference gives its members the opportunity to address MPs directly and raise issues of regional and national concern.
Membership
There is no charge for membership of the Newspaper Conference, but representatives must be from newspapers in full membership of the Newspaper Society, and cover the cost of their lunches.
