BBC Wales has appointed Betsan Powys as its new Political Editor.

Betsan - currently BBC Wales' Culture and Media Correspondent - is recognised as one of Wales' leading journalists and, since starting her broadcasting career as a BBC news trainee, has also worked for the BBC's flagship current affairs programme Panorama, and for a time with ITV Wales.

In a varied career, she has presented the Welsh language news programme Newyddion, was chief reporter on the European current affairs series Ewropa, joined Huw Edwards to front election specials, won the BT Welsh Journalist of the Year for her work with BBC Wales' hard-hitting current affairs programme Week In Week Out, and has even been following in John Humphrys' footsteps as host of a forthcoming new series of Welsh-language Mastermind.

Betsan will take editorial charge of all BBC Wales' daily political output ahead of a crucial period in Welsh politics, in the run-up to next year's Assembly elections and beyond.

Mark O'Callaghan, Head of News and Current Affairs for BBC Wales, says: "I am delighted to announce Betsan's appointment. She is an extremely well-respected journalist with experience in daily news, current affairs and politics.

"She will lead our coverage of Welsh politics for BBC Wales and Network on all our platforms: television, radio and new media."

Betsan, 41, said: "I'm thrilled. I can't think of a more exciting time to be taking on this role and will relish the opportunity to guide our viewers, listeners and online audience through the crucial months to come - and beyond."

Betsan, from Cardiff, who begins her new role on Monday 11 September, will take over from current BBC Wales political editor David Williams, who retires from BBC Wales News in October.

JW

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