Mr Whelan told The Mirror newspaper in an interview he was leaving his post and will be presenting a new political programme on BBC Radio Five Live.

He also said he was going to write a football column and was in talks with Channel 4 over presenting a sports programme.

Mr Whelan, 44, was forced to quit his job as the chancellor press aide after reports claimed he was responsible for leaking the Peter Mandelson home loan story.

He denied the claim but said the "absurd" level of media coverage surrounding the story no longer made it possible for him to carry out his work.

'Usual reverence'

The BBC confirmed Mr Whelan would be taking part in the new programme, Sunday Service, to go out on Radio Five Live from April, but said he would be one of a number of contributors.

The programme is to made by independent production company Planet 24, so Mr Whelan would be contracted to that company rather than the BBC.

The programme is to deal with politics, news and consumer affairs.

The BBC spokesman said: "We expect Charlie to bring his usual reverence to the programme.

"He is expected to talk on air and he has plenty of experience at that but he can expect a much bigger audience than his old haunt in Westminster's Red Lion pub."