New York Post officially endorses Donald Trump – on the same day its editor retires

If he wins the nomination, he will need to be 'more presidential,' the paper says

Donald Trump appearing at an Albany, NY, rally Eduardo Muñoz Alvarez/Getty

The Rupert Murdoch-owned New York tabloid paper famous for such headlines as "Headless body found in topless bar" has officially backed Donald Trump for the Republican nomination – on the same day that its editor stepped down after 42 years.

In a Thursday evening announcement, the New York Post made its case for the business mogul and former reality TV star saying he has “electrified the public” and they expect a “pivot” from the oft-inflammatory candidate if he wins the nomination — “not just on the issues,” the editorial board writes, “but in his manner.”

The endorsement lays out all of Mr Trump’s flaws and “rookie mistakes” and says that his policies appear to be “made up on the fly.” But the paper — owned by Mr Murdoch’s News Corp — attributes his less refined characteristics to his newcomer status in the political sphere, as demonstrated by his “political incorrectness.”

“Indeed, his political incorrectness is one of his great attractions — it proves he’s not one of them. He’s challenging the victim culture that has turned into a victimizing culture.”

The Post continues: “Trump is now an imperfect messenger carrying a vital message. But he reflects the best of ‘New York values’ — and offers the best hope for all Americans who rightly feel betrayed by the political class.”

The editorial board’s endorsement of Mr Trump fell on the same day that longtime New York Post editor-in-chief Col Allan announced his retirement from the tabloid.

“It has been an enormous privilege to edit this great paper,” Mr Allan, 62, said. “Journalists at the Post … are the best in the business, and I know that the paper will continue to grow in scale and influence.”

Mr Murdoch called Mr Allan a “great friend and colleague” and thanked him for the time spent working with News Corporation. Mr Allan edited two papers for the company, according to Mr Murdoch, including Australia's Daily Telegraph.

Mr Allan will be succeeded by the Post’s Sunday editor, Stephen Lynch, who is set to begin on 1 May.