Chris Mason has been announced as the BBC’s new political editor.
He will be taking over from Laura Kuenssberg next month and moving from BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? after presenting the show for three years.
Chris said: “What a tremendous privilege to take on what, for me, is the most extraordinary job in British broadcasting and journalism. I clamber upon the shoulders of giants like Laura, Nick and Andrew with a smattering of trepidation and a shedload of excitement and enthusiasm.
“To lead the best team of journalists in the business on the best news patch of the lot is something I’d never even dared dream of. I can’t wait to get started.”
(Image: BBC)
Interim director of BBC News, Jonathan Munro, said: “Chris has been an exceptional correspondent in an extraordinary time for British politics.
“His calm, incisive analysis and signature candid style have been invaluable for audiences when navigating complex stories.
“His ambition and vision for the political editor role is really exciting and I wish him every success in the new post.”
Laura also shares her joy over the good news for her pal as she wrote on Twitter: “Huge congrats and welcome to the best daily job in the business, to colleague, great friend and of course #newscaster @ChrisMasonBBC”.
(Image: Getty Images)
Laura will be stepping down from the BBC as the political editor after seven years in the role.
She will be taking on a senior presenting and reporting role across the BBC with a range of news and current affairs projects planned.
Laura landed the role in 2015 and broke records as the first female to take the job and over the years she’s covered a variety of important topics across the platform.
When she confirmed her exit, Laura said: “I’ve been so lucky to do the best daily reporting job in the business, with the best colleagues anyone could wish for.
“It’s been incredible to occupy the chair during a time of such huge change and to try to make sense of it for our viewers, listeners and readers online.”
She added: “I’ll miss the daily drama, and our wonderful team in Westminster immensely, but after nearly seven years and what feels like decades’ worth of headlines, it’s time for the next move.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
