Alison Phillips, editor-in-chief of The Mirror, will step down from her role at the end of January, marking the conclusion of her more than 25-year career with the publication, according to an

announcement by owner Reach. Phillips, who has held the top editorial position since 2018, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Caroline Waterston, the editor-in-chief for Reach magazine titles, including OK! Magazine.

The decision comes as Reach, the owner of The Mirror, Express newspapers, Daily Star, and various regional newspapers, including the Manchester Evening News, embarks on cost-cutting measures, leading to job reductions. In November, Reach revealed plans for 450 job cuts, impacting around 10% of its 4,500-strong workforce, particularly in its national titles. This move followed approximately 330 redundancies made earlier in 2023.

Jim Mullen, Reach’s chief executive, emphasized the need for the group to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. In a statement regarding Phillips' departure, Mullen expressed gratitude for her dedication to The Mirror and acknowledged her successful leadership during her tenure. He also mentioned that Caroline Waterston is well-equipped to assume the interim role, having overseen a significant digital transformation within the group's magazines.

In response to the announcement, Phillips praised The Mirror as one of the finest news brands globally and expressed her pride in being part of a team that demonstrated the ability to conduct outstanding journalism with kindness. She highlighted The Mirror's role as a voice for the compassionate people of the country and expressed her enduring pride in the extraordinary team.

Alison Phillips commenced her career with the company in 1998 as a features writer for the Sunday People. During her time as editor, The Mirror gained recognition for publishing exclusive stories, including coverage of the Dominic Cummings scandal involving his trip to Barnard Castle during the pandemic in 2020. Photo by Wikimedia commons.