BBC News executive to replace Coulson

Prime Minister David Cameron has selected a senior BBC News executive to replace Andy Coulson as director of government communications.

BBC Global News controller of English Craig Oliver - the former editor of the BBC News at Six and Ten - will take up the new role imminently. The 41-year-old will lead all communications from Cameron, the coalition government and the Conservative party to the nation.

Former journalist Coulson resigned from the post last month after pressure over the News of the World phone hacking scandal.

In a statement, Cameron: "I am very pleased that Craig Oliver is to become the new director of communications at 10 Downing Street.

"Craig has formidable experience as a broadcast journalist. He will do an excellent job in explaining and communicating the government's programme."

Oliver added: "I'm delighted to be joining David Cameron and his team at such an exciting and challenging time. It's difficult to leave the BBC after a fascinating few years - but this is an opportunity I can't turn down."

According to the BBC's political editor Nick Robinson, Oliver was approached by Coulson last week and met the prime minister over the weekend.