Anthony Bevins to rejoin `Independent'

Anthony Bevins, the award-winning political journalist, is to leave the Observer to rejoin the Independent as political editor.

Mr Bevins ran the Independent's original political team when the paper was launched in 1986. Before that he was chief political correspondent of the Times.

Donald Macintyre, our present political editor, has been appointed chief political commentator. Mr Macintyre was labour editor of the Independent at launch and then political editor and columnist for the Independent on Sunday. He will be writing a twice-weekly column in his new role. Andrew Marr, the editor designate, will also continue to write regularly in the newspaper. Last night, Mr Marr said: "The return of Tony Bevins and the elevation of Don Macintyre give us the finest political team, bar none, as we prepare for the most important general election campaign for many years."