Ofcom's new broom Sharon White sweeps into office

Fresh chief will replace Ed Richards in election year

Communications watchdog Ofcom confirmed this morning that it has found a replacement for outgoing chief Ed Richards.

Sharon White will head up the regulator from late March, on an annual salary of £275,000, after she ends her senior role at the Treasury.

White currently serves as Second Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry at the Treasury, where she has controlled the UK's public purse since November 2013.

Prior to that, the Cambridge economics graduate was Director General of public spending at the Treasury. During her 25-year career, White has been based in Washington, the Number 10 policy unit, the World Bank and various central government departments including the Ministry of Justice.

Ofcom's new broom said in a canned statement:

The communications sector is vital to the economy and delivers essential services to everyone in the UK. I look forward to starting in this fascinating job and building on Ofcom’s considerable track record.

Richards' tenure ends later this month. Steve Unger will serve as acting chief in the meantime, the watchdog said. ®