The internet has reacted to the 'Daily Mail' editor stepping down - and it's brutal

After more than 25 years as the man in charge, Paul Dacre has announced he’s stepping down as the editor of the Daily Mail.

He was arguably one of the most controversial and powerful people in the country, overseeing the hugely popular, relentlessly pro-Brexit newspaper.

He will officially step down in November before his 70th birthday.

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“It has been a privilege to work with you all and I look forward to continuing to do so in my new role in which I will endeavour to ensure that our company remains at the absolute forefront of a rapidly changing industry,” he said in a statement.

Dacre will remain with the company as chairman and editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers, which is in charge of the influential newspaper.

But along with his power came great divisiveness, leading to some, shall we say, less than flattering tributes on Twitter.

Former journalist and adviser to Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell said: “Dacre retires to spend more time with his EU grants on his Scottish estate and bronzing his corpulent frame in his fourth home in the British Virgin Islands. Worst of British values posing as the best. Malign influence on media culture. Good riddance.”

Guardian writer George Monbiot added: “This man has devoted his career to attacking the weak on behalf of the powerful. He has arguably done more to undermine decency in public life than anyone else in the UK.”

And LBC presenter James O’Brien said: “Good riddance to an amoral sociopath who has done more damage to the fabric of this nation than anyone or anything since the Luftwaffe.”

Read more: Paul Dacre makes astonishing revelation about the famous ‘Daily Mail’ Stephen Lawrence front page

Plus, there was plenty more brutal reaction…

But, along with the criticism, there was a smattering of recognition for his campaigns and his commitment to the industry. 

The big questions now are: who’s going to replace him and will the Daily Mail, which continues to dominate the media and political landscape, be up for any changes in the future?

(Image: Getty)