Robert Peston is one of the most well-known and respected figures in British journalism. From his early days as a print reporter to his current role as Political Editor at ITV News, Peston’s career has spanned decades and seen him become a key player in political analysis and broadcasting. His direct approach to economic reporting, coupled with his ability to break some of the most significant news stories of our time, has solidified his reputation as one of the foremost political commentators in the UK.
Early Life and Background
Born on April 25, 1960, in London, Robert James Kenneth Peston grew up in a politically engaged family. His father, Maurice Peston, was a well-known economist and a life peer, which undoubtedly influenced Peston’s own career trajectory. Growing up in North London, Robert attended Highgate School before moving on to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Balliol College, Oxford. This prestigious course is known for producing many of Britain’s political leaders, journalists, and influential figures, providing a strong foundation for Peston’s career in political journalism.
After his time at Oxford, Peston briefly worked as a stockbroker before switching gears to pursue journalism—a decision that would define his professional life.
The Rise of Robert Peston: Early Career
Peston began his journalism career in 1983 at Investors Chronicle, a magazine that focused on finance and business. He quickly made a name for himself with his insightful reporting and deep understanding of financial markets. By 1986, he had moved on to The Independent, where he worked as a reporter, eventually becoming the paper’s City Editor.
In 1990, he moved to The Financial Times, one of the world’s most respected publications in business and finance reporting. Here, he held several key roles, including Economics Editor and Political Editor. It was during his time at the FT that Peston’s reputation for breaking major financial stories really began to take off.
BBC Years: Breaking Big Stories
In 2005, Peston made the leap from print to broadcast journalism, joining BBC News as Business Editor. His work covering the 2008 financial crisis earned him widespread recognition. His exclusive reporting on the failure of Northern Rock—one of the UK’s major mortgage lenders—was a landmark moment in his career, making him a household name. Peston’s clear and accessible reporting during the crisis helped the public understand the complexities of the global financial collapse, and he was widely praised for his ability to translate jargon-heavy financial news into understandable language.
By 2007, he was appointed Economics Editor for BBC News, and his sharp reporting continued to shape public understanding of economic events. His exposé of the credit crunch, bank bailouts, and the unfolding recession earned him both accolades and criticism, but most importantly, it cemented his status as one of the UK’s most influential journalists.
Peston’s Move to ITV and Rise as a TV Personality
In 2015, after a decade at the BBC, Peston made a significant career shift when he joined ITV News as their Political Editor. His departure from the BBC was met with widespread media attention, as it marked a new phase in his broadcasting career. At ITV, Peston took on the role of anchoring the weekly political discussion show, Peston, which replaced Peston on Sunday.
The show quickly became a key part of ITV’s current affairs programming. With his direct interviewing style, sharp political insights, and ability to navigate complex issues, Peston made a name for himself as a seasoned political interviewer. The show has seen various formats, often featuring in-depth discussions with politicians, public figures, and experts on key national and international issues. His social media presence also played a significant role in making the show more interactive and accessible to a wider audience.
Personal Life: Triumphs and Tragedies
Peston’s personal life has also attracted significant public interest. He was married to Siân Busby, a novelist and television producer, until her tragic death in 2012 after a long battle with lung cancer. The loss of his wife had a profound impact on Peston, and he has since opened up about how it affected him personally and professionally. He has spoken candidly about his experiences with grief and the toll it took on his physical and emotional health.
Following Busby’s passing, Peston’s life took another turn when he began a relationship with Charlotte Edwardes, a fellow journalist. Their relationship drew significant media attention, with rumors often swirling around their private lives. However, Peston has largely kept his personal relationships out of the public eye, preferring to let his professional work take center stage.
Robert Peston’s Political Views
As a journalist, Peston is known for his impartiality and objective approach to news reporting. His role as ITV’s Political Editor requires him to maintain a balanced perspective on the political landscape. However, Peston has occasionally been vocal about the state of UK politics, particularly during moments of political turmoil such as the Brexit referendum and the 2019 general election. While not openly affiliated with any political party, Peston’s views on economic inequality, public policy, and corporate influence have often leaned towards progressive social commentary.
Robert Peston’s Books and Publications
In addition to his broadcasting career, Peston is a published author, having written several books on political and economic issues. His non-fiction books provide readers with insight into the inner workings of British politics and the global financial system. Some of his notable works include:
- “Who Runs Britain?” – A deep dive into the UK’s political and economic systems.
- “How Do We Fix This Mess?” – A critique of the financial crisis and its lasting effects on society.
- “WTF?: What Have We Done?” – A look at the state of modern Britain in the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit vote.
He has also written a thriller, The Whistleblower, which explores political corruption and the consequences of speaking out against powerful institutions. The novel was well-received for its engaging plot and insight into the world of political power.
Robert Peston’s Net Worth and Salary
As of 2024, Robert Peston’s estimated net worth is believed to be £4 million. His wealth primarily comes from his long and successful career in journalism, his high-profile role at ITV, and the royalties from his books. Peston is also a sought-after speaker and has hosted various events and conferences throughout his career.
His salary, though not officially disclosed, is likely to be significant, reflecting his senior role at ITV and his prominence in British journalism.
Common Questions About Robert Peston
Is Robert Peston married?
Robert Peston was married to Siân Busby until her tragic death in 2012. He has since been in a relationship with Charlotte Edwardes, though they have not married.
Does Robert Peston have children?
Yes, Robert Peston has one son with his late wife Siân Busby.
How old is Robert Peston?
Robert Peston was born on April 25, 1960, making him 65 years old as of 2025.
Is Robert Peston ill?
Robert Peston has spoken publicly about the toll his wife’s death took on him, including physical symptoms of grief. However, there is no information suggesting that he has been diagnosed with any chronic illness such as Parkinson’s or stroke.
What are Robert Peston’s political views?
While Peston is known for his impartiality as a journalist, his commentary on the state of politics, particularly in relation to Brexit, often aligns with more progressive viewpoints.
Conclusion
Robert Peston has built a remarkable career as one of the leading political journalists in the UK. Known for his insightful reporting, engaging personality, and ability to tackle complex issues, Peston continues to shape public discourse through his work at ITV and his published books. His ability to balance his personal life with his demanding career has earned him respect both as a broadcaster and as an author. Despite the challenges he has faced personally, Peston remains a powerful and influential voice in British media.
