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

Education

Landale was educated at Eton College, 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. In July 2013, Landale was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Bristol in recognition of his journalistic achievements.

Career

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. 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.

Personal life

Landale lives in London. He was diagnosed with large B-cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in October 2008, and underwent six courses of chemotherapy. In 2015, Landale was named Broadcaster of the Year by the Political Studies Association for his "huge contribution to the public understanding of politics".

Books