The Guardian finally lands its new political editor

The Guardian has concluded its long-running search for a political editor, promoting its chief political correspondent Tom McIlroy, who joined the outlet this year in the lead up to the federal election.

McIlroy’s appointment means the Australian outpost of the British newspaper will now begin a search for a new chief political correspondent.

It also shifts the focus for Guardian Australia after a period of tumult for its Canberra bureau. The political editor position had been vacant after changes to the bureau led to an exodus of its top talent and an internal HR investigation.

Former Financial Review journalist Tom McIlroy has emerged as The Guardian’s political editorCredit: Oscar Colman

In late 2024, Canberra-based Guardian staff were interviewed as part of an HR investigation after political editor Karen Middleton made a complaint against the outlet’s chief political correspondent Paul Karp, who lodged a counter-claim against Middleton.

Karp subsequently joined The Australian Financial Review, telling his Guardian colleagues in a farewell speech that he had been cleared of any wrongdoing. McIlroy joined The Guardian in April, replacing Karp.

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Guardian editor Lenore Taylor on Monday said McIlroy’s reporting, insightful analysis and commentary made him a suitable candidate for taking on the role of the outlet’s political editor.

“We are also very pleased to be promoting an internal candidate to this pivotal role,” Taylor told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

The appointment comes after the outlet resumed its search in August, several months after interviewing candidates following the federal election. Several external candidates were interviewed, with McIlroy now the surprise promotion, after impressing with his weekend columns, which are usually the task of the political editor.

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