BBC political stalwart Robbie Gibb becomes director of communications for Theresa May
Robbie Gibb, the head of the BBC’s political team at Westminster, is leaving the broadcaster after 23 years to become the chief spin doctor for prime minister Theresa May.
Theresa May hires BBC's Robbie Gibb as director of communications
He replaces Katie Perrior, who quit the communications role before the snap election. Both the BBC and Downing Street have confirmed the news.
Gibbs announced the news in a tweet: “I am pleased to announce I will be leaving the BBC to join the Prime Minister, Theresa May, as her new Director of Communications”
It's been a privilege to work for the BBC. I will always be a supporter because of its values and commitment to impartiality.
— Robbie Gibb (@RobbieGibb) July 6, 2017
The job was previously held by Craig Oliver and Andy Coulson under David Cameron.
Robbie Gibb already has close ties to the government; his brother Nick Gibb is the junior education minister.
Gibb edits the BBC’s Daily and Sunday Politics programmes and leads the corporation’s Westminster team. According to the Guardian, he was one of two senior BBC staffers up for the job, staving off competition from James Landale, the BBC’s diplomatic editor.