Laura Kuenssberg named BBC’s new Political Editor

Laura Kuenssberg has been appointed Political Editor at the BBC, replacing Nick Robinson who is joining Radio 4.

“I’m completely delighted and I recognise the responsibility on my shoulders,” said Laura.

“It’s an honour for me to follow Nick Robinson who has been such an outstanding Political Editor.”

She 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 starting 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.

Tony Hall, Director-General, added: “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.”