The Observer’s business editor, Mick Smith, has quit the paper as Gail
Counsell, the recently appointed associate editor (business ) begins a
restructuring of the department.
Counsell, who could not be contacted, is understood to be recruiting a
number of writers for the business section. It is still unclear whether
Smith, who took voluntary redundancy, will be replaced or whether
Counsell will combine both roles.
It is understood that Smith was unhappy about having to hand over
responsibility for editing to Counsell.
Counsell moved over to the Observer last month from the Scotsman.
Other editorial changes at the newspaper include environment
correspondent Polly Ghanzi becoming Whitehall correspondent and science
editor Robin McKie including environment in his patch.