The Scottish comedian hands the reins to Curb Your Enthusiam’s David Mantel after working as executive producer of the HBO political satire since 2012

Armando Iannucci is leaving the award-winning political satire Veep after being at the helm since it first aired on HBO in 2012.

The Scottish comedian and writer departs just days before the show begins its fourth season on Sunday, with Curb Your Enthusiasm’s David Mantel taking over as showrunner.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, HBO said: “We have had conversations with Armando for some time about the challenges of maintaining his family life in London and producing a show in the states.

“Armando is not replaceable but we are confident that Veep will continue to be produced at the highest levels with new showrunner David Mandel. David has worked with HBO for many years as executive producer, writer and director for Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep. Photograph: PR Handout

Mandel will work with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who stars as the disaster-prone vice-president Selina Meyer, after the pair first collaborated on Seinfeld.

Iannucci had suggested his time working on Veep was drawing to an end in recent interviews, and when asked about his next projects, he told the Guardian: “The one thing I don’t want to do is look at American politics or British politics. I feel I have done that.” He is also been touted as a possible screenwriter for Doctor Who, which would see him reunited with Peter Capaldi, whom he worked with on the series Veep is based on, The Thick Of It.

Veep has not been renewed for a fifth season yet, but with the success of the show and the rapid appointment of Mantel, it looks likely to return after its fourth season finishes later this year.