Save the Children UK has appointed Downing Street’s former director of strategic communications as its new chief executive.

Justin Forsyth, who worked under Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, was also at Oxfam for 15 years, latterly as director of campaigns and policy as well as being one of the founders of Oxfam International. He also helped to establish ‘Make Poverty History’.

He replaces Justine Whitbread who was promoted to chief of Save the Children International in April.

Forsyth said: “I am excited to join Save the Children as it steps up its efforts over the next five years to save five million more children’s lives a year. We can – and must – stop these needless deaths, and ensure that every child gets a chance in life, wherever they are born in the world.”