Sunday Telegraph political editor joins Labour to help ‘sharpen attack’

The Sunday Telegraph political editor Patrick Hennessy has been named as Labour’s new deputy director of communications.

Hennessy will “direct, shape and lead” Labour’s media output. A statement from the party added: “He will sharpen Labour’s attack stories, improve message discipline and ensure the party delivers a 24-hour news cycle.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband said of Hennessy: “His experience working at a range of national newspapers will add significant expertise to the Labour Party’s communications team. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Hennessy, who joined The Sunday Telegraph as its political chief in 2004 when he left the Evening Standard, said: “I am sad to be leaving the Sunday Telegraph after nine great years but this is an exciting new challenge.

“After nearly 30 years working in newspapers, it’s a big move but a simple task: to help Labour win the general election.”

His appointment marks the second time in the last month a journalist has left the Lobby for a political communications role. In August, The Sun’s deputy political editor Graeme Wilson was named as the new press secretary at Number 10.