Independent journalist Joan Smith (pictured above giving evidence to Leveson) is to take over from Brian Cathcart as executive director of press reform pressure group Hacked Off.

As new press regulator IPSO gears up for launch in September 2014, Hacked Off is arguing that the new body lacks independence from the press industry so will suffer the same failings as the PCC.

Smith is a columnist for The Independent and was a victim of phone-hacking by the News of the World.