McNicholas writes on his Twitter (twitter.com/ConorMcNicholas), "I have resigned. Seven years as NME Editor coming to an end. It's been a fucking privilege. New job racing towards me."

He adds, "I'm leaving to go and edit Top Gear magazine at the BBC. Amazing job for a petrolhead like me. Will be at NME for a good few weeks yet."

McNicholas' tenure at NME has been controversial, with the magazine losing readers but building a strong brand presence via events such ...