Newel Post Problem

[TommyGA]

Hello all. A fresh newel post is desperately needed here. It seems to me that removing this old thing is out of the question. Am I right in thinking a new post should be cut nearly into the stairs and butted up to this existing one? I am worried the handrail wouldn't line up with the stringer however. Please help!

Excuse the skirting board and gate. Mutt mustn't go upstairs.

Thank you.

 

[blup]

The newel looks to have been cut off at bannistet level leaving the remaining part still functioning structurally, so it may just be a case of joining the new with the existing using tenons and/or large dowels.