Congratulations are in order for Chris Mason, a Senior Fellow of the John Schofield Trust, who will take over as the BBC’s new Political Editor next month following the departure of Laura Kuenssburg, also a Senior Fellow.

His move into one of the most high profile roles in British journalism comes following a 20-year career at the BBC, including a decade reporting on Westminster for television and radio, and a stint presenting Radio 4’s Any Questions? since 2019.

Chris told the Guardian he was delighted to be taking on “the most extraordinary job in British broadcasting and journalism”.

He added: “I clamber upon the shoulders of giants like Laura [Kunessberg], 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.”

Chris has been a long time supporter of the John Schofield Trust, acting as Senior Fellow and mentoring on the Trust’s early career programme as well as contributing to previous masterclasses.

As a Senior Fellow he is currently mentoring young journalist Eirian Prosser, who said: “I am over the moon for Chris. He is a brilliant mentor and I know he will do a great job as the BBC’s next political editor. I have already learnt so much about political journalism from him over the past four months and I am excited to see what he does as he steps into the new role. Congratulations Chris!”