As Big Issue heads into its 35th anniversary year of celebrations, with plans for new development, growth and approach, McNamee has decided to step aside from his role as UK Editor.

McNamee commented “I’m incredibly proud of all we have achieved through the years, as a wider group, but with focus on our editorial output – not least that we have been one of the only key national titles with the editorial base in Glasgow.

When I was first given the privilege of being UK editor I said I wanted to create something that people wanted to read, not that they thought they ought to. And with a team that has changed and evolved, and many brilliant young journalists who have learned their craft then headed into the world, I think we have done that, in print, and increasingly online.

I thank every single one of the reporters, subs, photographers, editors, production editors, designers, freelancers, columnists, and now commercial team. It has been a ride.”

McNamee leaves Big Issue on 31 March, with news on future plans to come soon. The new Editor has not yet been announced.