Robert Gibbs to step down as White House press secretary

Washington, Jan 6(ANI): White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is to step down from his current assignment to serve as an outside political adviser to US President Barack Obama in his re-election campaign.According to the New York Times, Gibbs said he intended to leave the post in early February.

"Stepping back will take some adjusting. But at the same time, I have a feeling that I will keep myself quite busy, not just with speaking, but continuing to help the president," the newspaper quoted Gibbs, as saying.

The 39-year-old further said that a successor has not been decided yet, but would likely be announced within a fortnight.

Gibbs had assumed the role of press secretary on January 20, 2009, and had given his first official briefing on January 22 of that year. (ANI)