Chris Mason’s journey to the job of BBC political editor has been two decades of incremental promotions followed by a very rapid final ascent. Two weeks ago, he hadn’t even formally applied for the political editor role, according to individuals with knowledge of the process, because he had not expected to be in contention.
But BBC bosses, suddenly concerned that he could become the latest big name to leave the national broadcaster for the private sector – having previously been wooed by Times Radio – suggested he might want to reconsider and reopened applications for his benefit. On Tuesday he was formally interviewed by senior management. And just 24 hours later Mason was announced to the world as the new political editor, succeeding Laura Kuenssberg and upending months of very public speculation over who would get the job – and beating the previous all-female shortlist in the process.
