Chris Mason has been appointed the Political Editor of BBC, after Laura Kuenssberg announced in December she is to step down after seven years in the job.
Chris, 41, has been a political correspondent at the broadcaster for more than a decade, reporting from Westminster across TV, radio and online.
He has presented BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? since 2019 and following news of Laura's exit, it was reported he was persuaded to apply for the job by BBC bosses after he was courted by rival broadcasters.
Of his new role, he said on Wednesday: "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."
The interim director of BBC News, Jonathan Munro 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.”
Laura was last month announced as the new permanent presenter of the BBC’s Sunday morning politics show, replacing Andrew Marr.
Laura tweeted her congratulations, writing: "Huge congrats and welcome to the best daily job in the business, to colleague, great friend and of course #newscaster @ChrisMasonBBC".
While Beth Rigby, Sky News’s political editor and presenter tweeted: "What a great choice. Huge congratulations @ChrisMasonBBC and welcome to the Pol Ed role – the best and busiest beat in the business.
"I’m looking forward to seeing a lot more of you Chris!".
In December, Laura announced she was stepping down as the broadcaster’s political editor to succeed Andrew Marr as the host of the flagship interview show, after his departure from the BBC.
She said at the time: "I couldn’t be more delighted. For decades Sunday morning has been the moment to explore the events that shape us and to challenge and listen to our politicians.
"It’s an honour to take the chair for that conversation in the 2020s."
Laura, who was raised in Glasgow, succeeded Nick Robinson as political editor in 2015 – becoming the first woman to hold the position.
She has covered major events including the Brexit referendum, the Government’s response to the pandemic and two general elections.
Her final assignment as political editor will be covering the local elections in May.
