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BBC Newsnight’s Allegra Stratton joins ITV News as national editor

By Jack Fenwick

BBC Newsnight’s political editor, Allegra Stratton, is to join ITV News in the new role of national editor.

Stratton, a former Guardian political correspondent, succeeded Michael Crick as political editor of the BBC Two current affairs show almost four years ago.

She said: "I am really thrilled to be joining ITV News at such an exciting time. The recent changes to News at Ten herald a new era in TV news. What the team is aiming to do is one of the most interesting developments in my industry for a generation and I look forward to playing my part in building on its success.

“It will be a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside such a strong team and I can't wait to get started."

ITV News at Ten has recently undergone a revamp, with former ITV political editor Tom Bradby taking over presenting duties.

In a statement, ITV said: “Allegra will work across ITV News’ full range of programmes, appearing frequently on News at Ten. In her new role, she will provide insight and in-depth analysis of the domestic and policy issues that matter to our viewers.”

Stratton becomes the third recent high-profile journalist to switch from the BBC to ITN, which oversees ITV News, Channel 4 News and Five News.

Robert Peston, who made his final appearance on BBC One’s News at Ten last week, is the new political editor at ITV.

While Sian Williams, presenter of Sunday Morning Live and a former BBC Breakfast anchor, is set to take over as presenter of Five News.

Geoff Hill, editor of ITV News, said Strattor is "one of the most talented and knowledgeable journalists in the business, with a long and impressive track record.

“Allegra will work alongside Rohit Kachroo, who will become security editor, sharpening his brief to hone in on one of the biggest stories of the moment. This is a hugely exciting time for ITV News, and Allegra will contribute enormously to our strong roster of expert talent.”

Kachroo moves to his new role having previously been UK editor at ITV News.

He said: “It's a privilege to become ITV's first ever Security Editor at a time when national and global security require so much of our attention. Working alongside an incredibly talented team, I aim to unearth untold stories and offer ITV News viewers clarity on one of the most important issues of our time.”

Stratton began her career as a BBC producer with This Week and Newsnight, before leaving for the Guardian. She has also written for the Times, the Independent and the New Statesman.

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