Former News of the World chief reporter James Weatherup is to return to his old title as news editor following the resignation of Ricky Sutton.

Weatherup was at the title for 10 years, rising to chief reporter, before he left to join the Sunday People as deputy news editor in 1999. He went on to work as People news editor under then editor Neil Wallis, who is now deputy editor to Andy Coulson at the News of the World.

Weatherup’s current title is executive writer on the Sunday Mirror. He has also spent a year on the Sunday Mirror newsdesk.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It’s the biggest job on Fleet Street.”