London:
The editor of the Rupert Murdoch-owned Times newspaper, James Harding, announced on Wednesday he was resigning because the owners wanted to appoint a new editor.
Harding, 43, one of the youngest journalists ever to take charge of the venerable British paper, told staff he had telephoned Murdoch to offer his resignation and his offer was accepted.
Harding, who has been editor for five years, told the newsroom in a speech: "It has been made clear to me that News Corporation would like to appoint a new editor of the Times. I have, therefore, agreed to stand down."
In a statement, he said: "For any journalist, it is an extraordinary privilege and a point of pride to see your work appear beneath the masthead of The Times, the greatest name in newspapers in the world."
He oversaw the launch of a paywall for The Times website and promoted campaigns on issues such as safety for cyclists and tax avoidance.
Harding's departure comes at a crucial time for the British newspaper industry after a judge-led inquiry into press ethics recommended a new system of self-regulation underpinned by law.
He chaired a meeting last week of 20 editors, and reported afterwards that they had agreed to the broad proposals made by Judge Brian Leveson, although they remain strongly opposed to the press being regulated by law.
Murdoch said Harding had been a "distinguished editor", and said he had "great respect for him as a colleague and friend".