FCO appoints Defra's Andrew Whyte as William Hague faces scrutiny

Andrew Whyte joins from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), where he has been director of comms since June 2009.

The appointment comes at a time of uncertainty for the FCO as reports claim that Foreign Secretary William Hague may quit his job following allegations in the press over his relationship with special adviser Chris Myers.

Whyte replaces former editor of The Independent Ian Hargreaves, who left in May to handle a portfolio of freelance work, including journalism, comms consultancy and academic work.

Whyte has formerly worked as executive director, advocacy and comms at Arts Council England, as well as deputy director of corporate affairs at News International and head of corporate and public relations at the BBC.