Paul Dacre is stepping down as editor of the Daily Mail by November this year, when he turns 70, having been in charge of the newspaper for 26 years.

Daily Mail owner Lord Rothermere has described Dacre as the “greatest Fleet Street editor of his generation” in a message to staff.

Dacre will become chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and Metro newspapers and Mail Online website, from 1 October this year.