Gove replaces Fraser Nelson who has been the editor for the past fifteen years.
Yesterday, Freddie Sayer, publisher of The Spectator, posted the following on X: “We have some major announcements today here at The Spectator.
“Fraser Nelson is to step down as Editor, after 15 incredibly successful years. He leaves the magazine modernised, digitised and with more readers than ever before. I am delighted to say he will continue to write for The Spectator and will become Associate Editor.
“Michael Gove will become the new Editor on October 4th, pending final approval from Acoba. Michael was a journalist for 17 years prior to entering politics and becoming One of the longest serving cabinet ministers of the past 100 years.
“Alongside his political and journalistic nous, Michael brings a love of books, philosophy, art, opera — and a mischievous sense of humour. He is perfectly suited to the role, and I can't wait to work together.
“Charles Moore has been appointed non-executive Chairman of The Spectator, with the specific brief of safeguarding editorial independence and the soul of the publication. Having been associated with The Spectator for more than 40 years, as a former Editor and most recently columnist, there can be nobody better suited to this important role.
“As Publisher of The Spectator and CEO of the group company, I will be responsible for overall strategy and ensuring that the various moving parts work well together. I am excited to work with Michael and Charles to bring the wit and wisdom of The Spectator to new audiences.
“It's an honour and it's going to be a lot of fun. Let's go!”
Fraser Nelson wrote on The Spectator’s website: “There’s never a good time to leave a job like mine but, after 15 years and a new owner with big ambitions, there is an obvious time. In many ways, Michael is the clear successor. He’s a first-class journalist who took a detour into politics and not (as so often happens) the other way around. He was my news editor when I was a young reporter at the Times and even then he was writing Spectator cover stories and being tipped as a future editor. His hinterland, love of mischief, intellectual depth, energy, sense of humour and – most importantly – fondness of good writing make him perfect for the job.”
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