The Prime Minister’s head of news and official spokesperson for Number 10, Alison Donnelly, will join Sport England later this year.

Donnelly has been appointed executive director of digital, marketing and communications – a newly created role which will see her lead a newly created directorate.

She will be tasked with bringing together Sport England's existing digital, marketing, campaigns, communications and external affairs teams – including the staff responsible for the flagship This Girl Can campaign.

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England CEO said: "This is a new and crucial leadership role for the organisation as we continue to actively and passionately make the case for sport and physical activity for all.

“Ali came through a highly competitive process with a strong field of highly qualified candidates and brings a huge amount of relevant experience, coupled with a genuine passion for sport and its transformative power. I look forward to welcoming her later this year.”

Donnelly added: “I have long believed in the power of sport and physical activity to change people's lives and hope to play a key role in helping Sport England to deliver against its ambitious vision," Donnelly said.

Prior to her current role at Number 10, Donnelly worked at HM Treasury and is also a rugby fanatic.

Earlier in her career, she worked as head of communications at Premiership Rugby club Wasps and she also runs the scrumqueens.com website, which is dedicated to women's rugby.

Donnelly will start in her new role in November.