He replaces Rebekah Brooks who will assume her new role as Chief Executive Officer of News International having edited her final edition of The Sun on 1 September 2009.

Dominic, 40, has worked on The Sun for 13 years, most recently as Deputy Editor, a role that he has held since 2007. Prior to this, he spent three years as Associate Editor, Features, and previously, two years as Assistant Editor. He started his career at The Sun on its showbiz column, Bizarre, in 1996 which he edited from 1998 for five years before writing a weekly opinion column. He joined The Sun from the News of the World where he was a reporter.

James Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive, Europe and Asia, News Corporation, said: “Dominic has proved himself a very capable deputy to Rebekah, sharing her passion for campaigning journalism on the issues that connect with the country. Under Rebekah’s leadership, The Sun has gone from strength to strength, cementing its position as the most popular UK newspaper by taking share from rivals. I am very pleased to announce Dominic’s promotion and look forward to seeing him build on that success.”

Rebekah Brooks said: “Dominic has been an outstanding leader at the paper, supporting me with energy and enthusiasm. He has an unrivalled understanding of what makes the paper tick and a real grasp of what makes a great Sun headline. I am delighted to be handing the reins over to such a talented successor. I look forward to continuing to work with him in my new role.”

Dominic said: “I believe The Sun is the best paper on the planet. It is a privilege to take over as editor and I cannot wait to get started.”