Big John

There couldn't be more of a contrast between the new and old. Departing for diplomacy, BBC Deputy Political Editor, James Landale, Eton, Bristol University and The Times. Arriving as Deputy Political Editor, John Pienaar, Ravens Wood School Bromley, The South London Press, NCTJ Highbury College, Portsmouth and The Independent.

Peter Oborne noted John for his "blokeish style and lapses into the demotic" in 2008. And John's pleased this morning...

Delighted to take on role of BBC Deputy Pol Editor - working alongside superb @bbclaurak - and occasionally as her body double. Can't wait.

— John Pienaar (@JPonpolitics) 13 April 2016