Huw Edwards to replace David Dimbleby on BBC General Election coverage

Huw Edwards will lead the BBC’s coverage of the General Election this year.

The veteran presenter will be at the helm during the overnight programming on 12 December, following in the footsteps of the long-serving David Dimbleby.

Edwards has been described as the perfect fit for the Christmas election and a “trusted” guide for viewers.

He said he hopes to use his 35 years of news experience to offer a service to the public on the crucial night, and provide clarity in an “uncertain world.”

Edwards will serve as lead presenter of BBC Election 2019, with Reeta Chakrabarti, Andrew Neil, and Tina Daheley.

Jeremy Vine will feature again to measure electoral shifts with the “swingometer”.

Edwards said: “Our aim in BBC News is to provide the best possible service to voters in a very uncertain world. It is my job — both during the campaign and on the night — to guide viewers through the most important election for decades.

“I hope to put my 35 years of experience to good use and to offer our viewers a service they can trust.”

David Dimbleby has been the face of the BBC’s election coverage since anchoring the 1979 general election.

Naga Munchetty and Andrew Marr will be among the presenters on the ground in key locations, and analysis will come from reporters, including political editor Laura Kuenssberg, and pollster John Curtice. Sarah Smith and Kirsty Wark will broadcast live from Scotland.

The BBC said it wanted to provide a trusted overview of events in “polarised times”.

Director of news Fran Unsworth said: “Huw is the perfect presenter to have at the helm as a trusted and authoritative guide throughout election night.

“The BBC’s aim is simple: we want to give audiences the information they need to help them decide how to cast their vote.

“Over the next six weeks, we will broadcast from up and down the country to ensure political parties are scrutinised on their election pledges and we will give the audience the chance to hold them to account. In polarised times, the BBC is here for everyone in the UK.”

Edwards was a Westminster correspondent for 13 years, and has played a key role in past political coverage.