Peter Riddell is to step down as director of the Institute for Government (IfG) later this year, the Whitehall think tank has announced.
Riddell was appointed IfG director in late 2011, following a long journalistic career including stints as a political commentator for both the Financial Times and The Times. He also writes a monthly column for CSW, has penned seven books, and in 2012 carried out a review of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on behalf of the Cabinet Office.
The IfG director on Monday informed staff of his intention to step down in the summer, saying it had been an "enormous privilege" to lead the IfG over the last five years.
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"I am proud of the growing reputation and influence of the Institute at the heart of government across the UK and overseas, thanks to the efforts of a committed and very talented staff," he said. "With such exceptional people and a strong leadership team, I am very optimistic about the future prospects for the Institute."
The IfG has said a successor for the directorship – which has previously been held by former Labour cabinet minister Lord Adonis – will be found through an open recruitment process.