Hargreaves was succeeded by Peter Wilby, also from the "Independent" stable, who had previously been the "Statesman"s books editor, in 1998. Wilby attempted to reposition the paper back "on the left". His stewardship was not without controversy. In 2002, for example, the periodical was accused of antisemitism when it published an investigative cover story on the power of the "Zionist lobby" in Britain, under the title "A Kosher Conspiracy?". The cover was illustrated with a gold Star of David resting on a Union Jack. Wilby responded to the criticisms in a subsequent issue. During Wilby's seven-year tenure, the "New Statesman" moved from making a financial loss to having a good operating profit, though circulation only remained steady at around 23,000.