In his new post, Pullinger will be head of the Government Statistical Service, and chief executive of the UK Statistics Authority – the watchdog body set up to safeguard the production and publication of official statistics.

Pullinger (pictured) is currently House of Commons librarian and director-general of information services for the House of Commons. He is also president of the Royal Statistical Society, and was the inaugural chair of the Society’s ‘getstats’ campaign to improve public awareness of statistics.

Commenting on the appointment, Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority, said: “John brings with him enormous professional expertise in official statistics from a distinguished career at all levels; and more recently through his leadership of visionary work in engaging Parliament and the public coupled with providing trusted information and research services to the House of Commons.”

Pullinger’s predecessor, Jil Matheson, announced her retirement in January. Dilnot said: “I would like to reiterate our sincere thanks for Jil’s exemplary leadership of the Statistical Service over the last five years as National Statistician, as I set out in my announcement earlier this year.

“We have valued enormously Jil’s professional wise counsel coupled with a great sense of fun, which are indeed remarkable qualities. We wish Jil all the very best for the future.”