Andy Coulson, the former editor of the News of the World who served jail time for his part in the phone-hacking scandal, has been hired as a PR adviser for The Telegraph.

Coulson Chappell, his public relations firm which he started upon leaving prison, has been awarded a contract to boost the public image of the Telegraph Media Group, it has been reported.

Murdoch MacLennan, chief executive of Telegraph Media Group and a long-time friend of Mr Coulson, is understood to have overseen the appointment. The senior media executive is seen to be one of Mr Coulson’s most loyal friends and was a character witness for him during his trial.

Staff at The Daily Telegraph are said to be dismayed by the news. A senior editorial executive told The Guardian that Mr Coulson’s role was to promote both the daily and Sunday publications as truthful and authoritative publications.

The source said: “Can there be a greater irony than that? Coulson’s appointment in this respect is wholly inappropriate.”

The controversial hire sparked surprise among politicians and commentators. Labour MP Diane Abbott expressed her surprise on Twitter, saying: “Telegraph hires former jailbird as PR advisor.”

Archie Bland, deputy national editor of The Guardian, quipped: “First rule of being good at PR is probably do not in yourself be bad PR for whoever hires you.”

Matthew Stadlen, LBC radio host, mocked the hire, saying: “The Telegraph’s attempt to add value.”

The former tabloid editor moved from the newsroom into the full view of the public eye in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal. He was editor of the News of the World when evidence of illegal eavesdropping at the newspaper first emerged back in 2005.

In 2007, Mr Coulson resigned from the paper after its royal editor, Clive Goodman, and a private investigator, Glenn Mulcaire, were imprisoned for hacking into voicemail messages left for royal aides. While Mr Coulson claimed he knew nothing about the hacking he was forced to resign. He was subsequently hired by David Cameron as his director of communications. In January 2011, he resigned as Downing Street spin doctor as coverage of the hacking scandal intensified.

In June of 2014, Coulson was found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison but ended up serving five months. At the time, Mr Cameron said he regretted hiring Mr Coulson and provided the public with a “full and frank” apology.

In January 2016, Mr Coulson launched a new corporate PR agency with Henry Chappell, a former director of Matthew Freud’s agency.

Upon announcing its launch, Mr Coulson said: “From our combined experience, Coulson Chappell can offer a unique perspective to clients looking for clear, discreet and effective strategic advice.”

A representative for the paper told The Independent: “We can confirm that Coulson Chappell and Pitch Marketing Group have been contracted by TMG to provide strategic communications advice and PR support.”