General Election 2019 latest: Huw Edwards to host BBC coverage on December 12 after David Dimbleby steps down

Huw Edwards, R, will host this year's election coverage after David Dimbleby, L, stepped down
Ian West/PA Wire
Tim Baker4 November 2019

Huw Edwards will take over general election coverage for the BBC after David Dimbleby retired following almost 40 years at the helm.

Mr Dimbleby, 81, has presented every election since 1979 when Margaret Thatcher took power.

But the veteran broadcaster has passed the baton onto Mr Edwards, himself a long-serving member of the BBC’s political team.

The 58-year-old is one of the most senior members of the political line up at the public broadcaster and will lead the lineup on December 12.

Mr Dimbleby also hosted Question Time and leadership debates
Owen Humphreys/PA Archive

BBC Director of News, Fran Unsworth, says: “Huw is the perfect presenter to have at the helm as a trusted and authoritative guide throughout election night.”

There had been rumours that in the case of a snap election Mr Dimbleby might be called upon to host coverage.

But speaking to the Radio Times earlier this year he said: “I won’t be hosting the general election – I’ve done ten and I think I’ve had my stint.

“I’ve had my fair share of elections.”

Joining Mr Edwads on television screens will be Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg, Europe Editor Katya Adler, Economics Editor Faisal Islam, and Media Editor Amol Rajan, alongside polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice.

Other members of the BBC’s staff will report from across the country as the results come in.

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