Johnson names communications chief

A senior BBC political journalist has been appointed as London Mayor Boris Johnson's communications chief.

Will Walden, the corporation's Westminster news editor, will bring "drive, originality and flair" to the post, Mr Johnson said.

Mr Walden replaces Guto Harri, another ex-BBC man, who quit to take up a post with News International after Mr Johnson was re-elected earlier this month.

Mr Walden began his career as a reporter in local newspapers before moving to commercial radio and has worked extensively as a reporter, producer and editor for the BBC, ITN, GMTV and Granada.

For the last five years he has directed the BBC's day-to-day coverage of political news.

Mr Walden, who will start the £127,784-a-year job in July, said:

The announcement comes just days after Mr Johnson launched an outspoken attack on the corporation.