Behr will write a weekly Westminster-based column, as well as reported essays and regular, quick takes on political news and events for Comment is Free. He will report to Jonathan Freedland, executive editor, opinion.
Prior to joining the New Statesman, Behr was chief leader writer for The Observer and a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times. He also currently pens a weekly satirical etiquette column - the Rules - for The Observer.
Jonathan Freedland, executive editor, opinion, Guardian News & Media, said: "I am delighted to welcome Rafael Behr to the Guardian as a political columnist. He brings a wealth of journalistic experience, most recently as political editor of the New Statesman, where his elegant, judicious column has become a must-read."
Rafael Behr, said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the Guardian. It is a great honour to be invited to share pages in print and online with so many world-class commentators and writers."
