First female BBC News Political Editor, Geopolitical Expert Speaker & Host – BBC News Political Editor – The first woman to hold this position
United Kingdom
Laura Kuenssberg became the BBC’s Political Editor in 2015. She was not only the first woman, but also the youngest journalist, to take on this particular role within the corporation. He job entails leading the organisation’s political coverage, seeing her work across a wide range of programmes for the BBC. Amongst these are the 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news, as well as the Today programme.
Although born in Italy, Laura Kuenssberg lived in Glasgow for most of her young life. She went on to study history at the University of Glasgow after completing her schooling, and from there attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Her focus was on journalism. Her time living in the U.S.A. also saw her work for NBC where she worked on the political programme.
Once back in the United Kingdom, Laura Kuenssberg saw her career taking off. She worked on local and TV and radio channels in Edinburgh before becoming a Channel 4 News reporter. In 2000, she joined the BBC, excelling as a reporter for BBC North East and Cumbria News. From there she went on to work as the BBC News Chief Political Correspondent, as well as reporting on the BBC News Channel, Newsnight, Today programme, BBC breakfast, and the Daily Politics. This period also saw her the recipient of a Royal Television Society Award for Home Affairs Reporting.
In 2011, Laura Kuenssberg decided to move to ITN. Part of this decision was her desire to keep the public informed with regards to business issues during difficult financial times. The role of Business Editor would help her to do so.
In 2013, however, Laura Kuenssberg returned to her roots at BBC, taking on the position of presenter and Newsnight Chief Correspondent. Her job excellence secured her the position of BBC News Political Editor two years later. In 2016, Laura Kuenssberg was awarded the Broadcaster of the Year and Journalist of the Year awards. She is also a founder of ITV Business Club.
Laura Kuenssberg has, during her career thus far, covered some of Britain’s most polarising and controversial issues. As a speaker, Laura has the ability to translate much of what is happening in the UK, using political insights and acute analysis that would be of benefit to any business that is trying to navigate itself through the intricacies as well as uncertainties that define current UK politics.
Speaking Topics