Chris Mason to succeed Laura Kuenssberg as BBC political editor

Mason, a 20-year veteran at the BBC seen as a safe pair of hands, did not originally apply for job

Chris Mason has been named as the BBC's new political editor, replacing Laura Kuenssberg in one of the most prominent and powerful roles in British journalism.

The 41-year-old Yorkshire-born reporter has been at the BBC for 20 years, including a decade reporting on Westminster for television and radio. The role gives him an unparalleled ability to shape how the UK interprets Westminster politics - and the government's policies. As a result, he will face enormous pressure from Downing Street and opposition parties who want to shape narratives to fit their agenda.