Laura Kuenssberg has been appointed the BBC’s new Political Editor
The BBC today announced that Laura Kuenssberg is appointed Political Editor.
Published: 22 July 2015
Laura’s an exceptional journalist – I saw that for myself in our studio on election night. Her knowledge of Westminster politics is second to none, but she also has a real flair for asking the questions the audience want answering.
Laura has been the Chief Correspondent and a presenter on Newsnight since February 2014. During the election Laura reported on significant political developments for Newsnight and was part of the BBC’s core presenting team throughout the evening of the results, giving insight and analysis as events unfolded. She recently presented the first televised Labour leadership hustings on BBC Two.
Before taking her current role at the BBC she was the Business Editor at ITV News between 2011 and 2014.
Laura started covering politics in 2003 as a political correspondent at the BBC working across programmes including Daily Politics and the Today programme, Breakfast and the News at Ten. Laura then became the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent from 2009 to 2011.
Before joining the BBC in 2000 as a trainee journalist in Newcastle, Laura worked in local radio and TV and studied at Edinburgh and Georgetown Universities.
Laura Kuenssberg said: “I’m completely delighted and I recognise the responsibility on my shoulders. It’s an honour for me to follow Nick Robinson who has been such an outstanding Political Editor.”
Tony Hall, Director-General, said: “Laura’s an exceptional journalist – I saw that for myself in our studio on election night. Her knowledge of Westminster politics is second to none, but she also has a real flair for asking the questions the audience want answering. We’re lucky to have had Nick in the role for ten years now – and a brilliant field of candidates for what is one of the best jobs in broadcasting. But I’m sure Laura will bring something extra to the role – something of her own style. And I wish her all the very best."
James Harding, the BBC’s Director of News, said: “There is no role quite like Political Editor at the BBC. It is one of the toughest and most influential jobs in journalism. I am delighted Laura will be our next voice from Westminster – her intelligence and curiosity, judgment and passion stood out in a field of extremely strong candidates. I wish her the very best of luck.“
Notes to Editors
Laura Kuenssberg was born in Italy, spent her childhood in Glasgow and secured a first class honours degree from Edinburgh University in Modern History. She has lived and worked in France and in the United States covering two White House races.
Laura is taking over from Nick Robinson who we have previously announced will become a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme.
Previous BBC Political Editors:
Peter Hardiman Scott 1970 - 1975
David Holmes 1975 – 1980
John Simpson 1980 - 1981
John Cole 1981 - 1992
Robin Oakley 1992 - 2000
Andrew Marr 2000 - 2005
Nick Robinson 2005 – 2015
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