Libby Purves No Longer the London Times Chief Theatre Critic

The Guardian has reported that Libby Purves, has been fired from The Times in London, and has openly said that this decision was not her decision "in any way". Purves said to her publicist that the editor John Witherow has ""decreed that he does not want me to continue as chief theatre critic" and added: "This is not my decision in any way. At all."

Purves joined the Times in 2010 after becoming the first woman to represent Today on Radio 4 and Radio 4's Midweek in 1984. It does not seem, though, that this is in any way a reflection of Purves, more of what newspapers in Britain are finding profitable. Critics have reduced dramatically in the past years, and that another newspaper, the Independent, also has fired a number of their arts critics.

Kevin Wilson has said, "It's a real shock to everyone in the industry. Unfortunately arts criticism is becoming a minority interest in the eyes of newspaper owners." In response to messages on Twitter, Purves states, "Thanks, kind theatre-tweeple. No, not a joke. No, no idea why. Ends Oct 11.Shall not vanish from back row opining, watch this space."

Photo Credit: BBC