Chris Mason has been announced as the BBC’s new political editor, next month, the broadcaster has announced.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the BBC confirmed Chris would be taking over the role, citing his 10-year experience as a political correspondent.
Chris has also presented BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? since 2019 and occasionally presents BBC Breakfast, as well as making regular appearances on Newscast.
Yorkshire native Chris, who has reported extensively on everything from Brexit to the Covid-19 pandemic and no less than three general elections, said it was a ‘temendous privilege .
He 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.’
Jonathan Munro, Interim Director of BBC News, added: ‘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.’
Chris will take over the role in May of this year, with current political editor Laura stepping down following the local elections.
Laura was among those congratulating Chris on his new role, taking to Twitter to wish him the best of luck.
She wrote: ‘Huge congrats and welcome to the best daily job in the business, to colleague, great friend and of course #newscaster @ChrisMasonBBC.’
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby added: ‘What a great choice.
‘Huge congratulations @ChrisMasonBBC and welcome to the Pol Ed role – the best and busiest beat in the business.
She added: ‘I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more of you Chris!’
Laura has been in the role since 2015, when she took over from Nick Robinson, and late last year announced it was ‘time for the next move’.
Since announcing her departure as politics editor, Laura has been confirmed to be launching her.
The BBC spent three months looking for Andrew Marr’s successor after he left his primetime weekend slot to start a new LBC radio show.
Confirming her new job on Twitter, Laura wrote: ‘I’m extremely happy to say that I’ll be in the BBC politics chair on Sunday mornings from September.
‘It’s a genuine honour and real thrill to be working with an amazing team on the show, can’t wait to get started!’
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