Loaded editor steps down

Loaded editor Martin Daubney has stepped down ahead of the IPC Media-owned lads' mag's likely sale to Attitude owner Vitality . Daubney, who is leaving immediately, has been editor of Loaded for seven years and overseen several relaunches of the title. But he has been unable to arrest a sales slide that has seen its circulation fall to just 53,591 in the first half of this year. IPC said there was no update in its negotiations with Vitality, with a sale yet to be confirmed. Daubney said: "Being editor of Loaded has been a blast. But for me, the time seems right to move on to new opportunities and let someone else take over the reins." A spokesman for IPC Media added: "Martin Daubney, editor of one of the UK's most iconic men's magazines, has decided to step down from the role." "The decision, after seven years with the title, follows the recent news that IPC is in discussion with Vitality Publishing about the sale of the brand." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".