'Spectator' editor in shock exit

The editor of The Spectator, Matthew d'Ancona, considered one of Fleet Street's bright hopes, suddenly exited the magazine yesterday, shocking staff.

Mr d'Ancona, 41, disappeared from the office a fortnight ago with "swine flu", sources said. The former student of medieval confession, who took the post in 2006 when Boris Johnson resigned, did not return calls last night.

A protégé of the publisher Andrew Neil will be installed as the new editor: Fraser Nelson, 36, has been promoted from political editor of the conservative weekly. He will formally seize the helm on 7 September.

Office sources attributed Mr d'Ancona's departure to a fall-out with Mr Neil, although both men said that Mr d'Ancona had other projects in mind.

"After more than three-and-a-half delightful and rewarding years as editor, exciting opportunities are arising and I have decided to move on," Mr d'Ancona said in a statement. He endorsed his replacement.

During his tenure, circulation rose from 61,000 to 75,000, online unique users were up 70 per cent and the CoffeeHouse political blog was established.