Angelo Persichilli, Stephen Harper's Director of Communications has quit.
Persichilli told his staff Friday morning the time had come for him to leave the Prime Minister's Office, just seven months after taking the job.
"This is a prestigious position that requires extremely intense effort and very long hours, which at a certain age, are not an option for a long period of time," he wrote in a letter to the press gallery.
Persichilli, who is 63, is a former Toronto Star columnist and a past editor of an Italian newspaper. He was brought it by Harper's Chief of Staff Nigel Wright last September to replace the PM's longtime aide Dimitri Soudas.
Persichilli said he would stay on until his successor is appointed.
It is widely speculated that Andrew MacDougall, the associate director of communications, will take over the top job.
Persichilli is the second senior staff in Harper's communications shop to call it quits recently.
Sara MacIntyre, Harper's former press secretary, left in February to join B.C. Premier Christie Clark's team.
Here's is the complete text of Persichilli's letter to the press gallery:
With considerable regret, I have informed Prime Minister Stephen Harper that I am resigning from my position as Director of Communications, effective once my successor is appointed.
This is a prestigious position that requires extremely intense effort and very long hours, which at a certain age, are not an option for a long period of time.
At this time, I would like to express my thanks to members of the media at all levels for their professionalism and fair-mindedness in our dealings, as well as my appreciation to my colleagues in the Prime Minister's Office, to the members of the Cabinet and Conservative caucus, and to the federal public service, with all of whom I have greatly valued the privilege of working.
Most of all, I would like to thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper for the opportunity to serve him during this exciting period. It has been an honour.
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