Chris Mason has been announced as the BBC’s new political editor.
He takes over from Laura Kuenssberg, who moves to Andrew Marr’s former Sunday morning politics show.
Mason will take the reins next month after spending more than a decade as political correspondent at the broadcaster.
In that time, he has reported from Westminster across TV, radio and online and has presented the BBC Radio 4 programme Any Questions? since 2019.
Tremendous 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 (Robinson) and Andrew (Marr) 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.”
Kuenssberg was last month announced as the new permanent presenter of the BBC’s Sunday morning politics show, replacing Marr.
Her final assignment as political editor will be covering the local elections in May.
“Calm, incisive analysis”
Jonathan Munro, interim director of BBC News, 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.”
Originally from Yorkshire, Mason started his career as an ITN trainee before spending time as BBC Radio 5 Live’s political reporter.
He co-presented the network’s Question Time Extra Time and also spent two years in Brussels as the Europe correspondent.
In recent years, he was co-host of political talkshow Brexitcast and still regularly appears on Newscast.
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