David Cameron has appointed Craig Oliver, a senior executive at BBC News - and former Scottish Television trainee - as his new director of communications.

41-year old Oliver is currently controller of English at BBC Global News and will replace Andy Coulson who resigned from the post last month following pressure over the News of the World phone hacking scandal.

Oliver’s role will be to lead efforts to sell David Cameron, the Coalition and the Conservative Party to the country.

BBC political editor Nick Robinson said Oliver had no previous political involvement but had been approached by Mr Coulson last week and had met the prime minister over the weekend.

Cameron has said he is "very pleased" at the appointment, commenting: "Craig has formidable experience as a broadcast journalist. He will do an excellent job in explaining and communicating the government's programme."

Oliver, a former Scottish Television trainee, added: "I'm delighted and privileged to be joining David Cameron and his team at such an exciting and challenging time.

"My background is broadcasting, but I know that newspapers play a crucial role and I look forward to talking with them.

"It's difficult to leave the BBC after working here for five fascinating years - but this is an opportunity I can't turn down."