James Landale is a British journalist who is the diplomatic correspondent of the BBC.

James Landale
EducationEton College
Alma materUniversity of Bristol
EmployerBBC
TitleDiplomatic Correspondent of BBC News (2016–present)
Deputy Political Editor of BBC News (2009–2016)
Chief Political Correspondent of BBC News (2004–2009)
Editor of Epigram (1988–1990)
RelativesDavid Landale
D. F. Landale

Education

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Landale was educated at Eton College,[1] where he was a near-contemporary of future Prime Minister David Cameron, before going on to study at the University of Bristol. While studying Politics there, he became the first editor of Epigram, the university's independent student newspaper.[2] In July 2013, Landale was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Bristol in recognition of his journalistic achievements.[3]

Career

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Before joining the BBC in 2003, Landale spent 10 years as a reporter with The Times newspaper, latterly as Assistant Foreign Editor.

In 2005 Landale wrote Duel, a book about a 1826 duel in Kirkcaldy involving his ancestor David Landale.

Landale was chief political correspondent for the BBC News Channel until 2009 when he became Deputy Political Editor, assisting then Political Editor Nick Robinson.[4] During his time as a political correspondent he presented some relief shifts on the channel.

In July 2017, Landale rejected an offer from Prime Minister Theresa May to become the eighth Downing Street Director of Communications. The role was taken by fellow BBC journalist Robbie Gibb.[5]

Personal life

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Landale lives in London. He was diagnosed with large B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in October 2008, and underwent six courses of chemotherapy.[6]

In 2015, Landale was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Political Studies Association for his "huge contribution to the public understanding of politics".[citation needed]

Books

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  • Landale, James (2005). Duel: A True Story of Death and Honour. Canongate. ISBN 1-84195-647-3
  • Landale, James (2006). Landale's Cautionary Tales: Comic Verse for the 21st Century. Canongate. ISBN 1-84195-847-6

References

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  1. ^ Epigram Online Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Martin, Tristan (30 April 2012). "In conversation with James Landale". Epigram. University of Bristol Students' Union. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  3. ^ "Honorary degrees awarded at the University of Bristol – Wednesday, 17 July". University of Bristol. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  4. ^ Holmwood, Leigh (1 July 2009). "BBC promotes James Landale to deputy political editor". The Guardian. London.
  5. ^ "BBC journalist James Landale turns down job working for Theresa May". The Independent. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2019.
  6. ^ "Cause celeb: Landale on lymphoma". BBC News. 8 April 2009.
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Media offices
Preceded by Chief Political Correspondent: BBC News
2004–2009
Succeeded by
Preceded by
New Position
Deputy Political Editor: BBC News
2009–2016
Succeeded by
Preceded by
James Robin
Diplomatic Correspondent: BBC News
2016–
Succeeded by
Incumbent