Chris Mason is set to take over from Laura Kuenssberg as the Political Editor of the BBC in May.
The 41-year-old from Yorkshire ruled himself out of the role earlier this year but was still offered it, beating ITV’s Anushka Asthana and Sky’s Sophie Ridge to the job, despite them being regarded as favourites.
Working at the BBC for over a decade, reporting for Westminster on all platforms as well as presenting the ‘Any Questions?’ programme on BBC Radio 4, Mason is seen as a likeable figure who can reach out to a wider audience.
Kuenssberg will be moving on to a permanent role as the presenter of the BBC’s Sunday morning politics show, replacing Andrew Marr.
Her final duty as Editor will be covering the local elections that are set to take place on 5 May, an event which should be a big indication as to what the public think of Boris Johnson and the Conservatives.
Addressing his new role, Mason revealed his enthusiasm for the prodigious job: “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 earning around £260,000-£264,999 for the role according to the BBC’s most recent annual report, but it is thought that Mason’s salary will be pitched lower.
The Yorkshire-born broadcaster was said to be a preferred candidate for the job due to his accent, as the corporation and the Government wants their output to be less London-centric going forward.
There has been no shortage of praise for Mason, as the new Editor has been widely commended for securing the role, including from Kuenssberg herself via Twitter:
Jonathon Munro, Interim Director of BBC News, also 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.”
Mason’s co-presenter and friend, Adam Fleming, who was also reported to be competing for the role congratulated Mason:
Former BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson highlighted the “privilege” of the job in his praise on Twitter:
Sky’s Political Editor, Beth Rigby, and ITV’s Political Editor, Paul Brand, both congratulated Mason on the role, with the latter underlining how the Editor will be of benefit to the BBC:
Mason will be continuing with ‘Any Questions?’, which he has presented since 2019, until the summer.
