Independent deputy editor Ian Birrell leaves

Ian Birrell, the Independent's deputy editor for almost 12 years, is to leave . Former Daily Mail executive Birrell, who is shortlisted for columnist of the year in the British Press Awards , said: "I have hugely enjoyed working with some of the most talented journalists in Britain, but now feel the time is right for a change." Editor-in-chief Simon Kelner praised Birrell's "enormous contribution to the Independent's success over the years." Independent News & Media is in the closing stages of negotiations to sell the Independent and Independent on Sunday to London Evening Standard owner Alexander Lebedev . Source: The Independent