Zac Goldsmith has appointed author and journalist Pat Thomas has his successor as editor environmental monthly The Ecologist.

The 32-year-old son of billionaire businessman Sir James Goldsmith will now have more time to focus on his political career. He is currently deputy chair of David Cameron's Quality of Life Committee and has been seeking a Commons seat.

Goldsmith will retain ties with the magazine, continuing as the director of the business, however editorial control of the magazine will now go to the new editor.

Thomas joined the Ecologist in 2004 and as health editor wrote a series of pieces under the title Behind the Label which looked at the adverse effects of ingredients in everyday personal and household products.

Goldsmith said: "There are few people as knowledgeable – or as thorough – as Pat Thomas when it comes to identifying the links between everyday actions, popular products and human health. As editor she will bring a much-needed consumer focus to wider environmental concerns. We are extremely lucky to have her onboard.

'My decreased involvement in the day-to-day running of the Ecologist will allow the magazine to maintain its independence – an essential aspect of its popularity with consumers."

The Ecologist has a claimed readership of 400,000.