Chris Mason: who is the new BBC Political Editor - and when will he replace Laura Kuenssberg?

The BBC has announced that Chris Mason will replace Laura Kuenssberg as political editor next month.

The seasoned journalist will take over from Ms Kuenssberg this Spring at BBC News.

Ms Kuenssberg’s replacement has been a hot topic since she announced she was to step down from the prestigeous role.

Mr Mason has spoken of his “excitement and enthusiasm” in stepping into the role.

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.”

But who is Chris Mason, and what role is Laura Kuenssberg moving to?

Who is Chris Mason?

Chris Mason, 41, is a political correspondant who has worked with the BBC for the past decade.

The Yorkshireman has reported from Westminster during his time at the broadcaster, while also presenting the BBC Radio 4 programme Any Questions? for the past three years.

Prior to his role at the BBC, he gradutated from Christ’s Collage, Cambridge with a degree in Geography and went on to begin his media career as an ITN trainee.

He then completed a postgraduate diploma in journalism at City, University of London.

His first role at the BBC was at BBC Newcastle in 2002, giving his first Westminster report in 2004.

Mr Mason has moved roles over his years at the BBC, going from Europe correspondent based in Brussels, to BBC Radio 5 Live’s political reporter.

He joined BBC News in 2012 as a political correspondent where he has remained, until taking onn the top role of the broadcaster’s political team.

When will he replace Laura Kuenssberg?

It was announced on 13 April that Mr Mason was set to replace Ms Kuenssberg as political editor.

Ms Kuenssberg is set to leave the role in May.

Local elections will be the last story she covers on the channel.

It is believed that Mr Mason will take over the role shortly after Ms Kuenssberg vacates.

Why did Laura Kuenssberg quit as the BBC’s political editor?

It was announced on 20 December 2021 that Ms Kuenssberg was to step down as BBC News’ political editor.

In her announcement, she spoke of stepping down to take on a “senior presenting and reporting role” within the organisation.

It was then announced in March 2022 that she was to replace Andrew Marr on the Sunday morning flagship political programme.

Rumours swirlled about her replacement, with many tipping ex-North American editor Jon Sopel to take on the role.

However, he announced his deapture from the BBC in March 2022, alongside ex-Newsnight presenter Emily Matlis.

Sopel and Matlis left the broadcaster to join LBC in creating a new joint podcast and news show.

What has the BBC said about Chris Mason’s new role?

Jonathan Munro, interim director of BBC News, shared his excitement at having Chris take on the job as political editor.

He 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.”