Beth Rigby has been appointed Sky News political editor, replacing Faisal Islam who is moving to the BBC to become its economics editor.
Rigby said in a tweet that taking on the new role, which she begins in May, was a “huge opportunity and responsibility at such an important time in our political life”.
She added that it was “an honour to follow in the footsteps of Faisal Islam and Adam Boulton”. Boulton is also a former Sky News political editor.
I’m absolutely thrilled to be appointed Sky News’s Political Editor. Huge opportunity and responsibility at such an important time in our political life. An honour to follow in the footsteps of @faisalislam and @adamboultonSKY
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) February 4, 2019
Rigby joined Sky News in 2016 as a senior political correspondent. She is currently deputy political editor. Her previous roles include chief political correspondent at the Financial Times and media editor at The Times.
John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: “Beth has a compelling vision for reporting politics differently at a time of great change and she has an excellent track record as a story getter…
“We know Beth will make a big impact and we look forward to her taking up her new role in May.”
Islam was among journalists offering their congratulations to Rigby on Twitter:
House news! Massive congrats to @BethRigby who will take over the political editor hot seat here at Sky News… https://t.co/vNgCa3lDIc
— Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) February 4, 2019
Congratulations to @BethRigby who has been appointed @SkyNews Political Editor
— Cristina Nicolotti S (@skynewsgirl) February 4, 2019
Fantastic news that @BethRigby has been appointed the new @SkyNews Political Editor
— Sophy Ridge (@SophyRidgeSky) February 4, 2019
Huge news as George Osborne misses out on filling a job vacancy.
Congrats @BethRigby https://t.co/5eqr4AyOj4— Matt Chorley (@MattChorley) February 4, 2019
@BethRigby – new Sky Political Editor. Absolutely fantastic news…lots of love from your old colleagues at the @ft – you'll be fantastic!
— George Parker (@GeorgeWParker) February 4, 2019
Picture: Sky News
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