Anushka Asthana and Heather Stewart to share role of Guardian political editor

http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/11/anushka-asthana-and-heather-stewart-to-share-role-of-guardian-political-editor

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Sky News senior political correspondent Anushka Asthana and Observer economics editor Heather Stewart are to share the role of Guardian political editor.

Asthana, who was previously chief political correspondent at the Times, joined Sky in 2013 and covered the Conservative campaign leading up to May’s general election.

Stewart has been part of the economics team at Guardian News and Media since 2001, and was Observer business editor prior to taking on her current role as economics editor.

They will replace Patrick Wintour, who announced in October that he would stand down after nine years to become the Guardian’s diplomatic editor early next year.

Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner said: “I am delighted that we have broken the mould by appointing two such accomplished journalists to share the role of Guardian political editor. It is surely one of the best jobs in British journalism and I can’t wait to see the impact they have.”

Stewart said: “I can’t think of a more exciting job in journalism at this moment. I’m particularly looking forward to working alongside Anushka, whom I admire as a journalist, and like and trust as a friend.”

Asthana said: “2015 was an exciting year in British politics and 2016 is shaping up to be even better – I’m looking forward to getting started and working with Heather and the rest of the Guardian team.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show that a job share at this level can work – and I hope it is a step towards more women and more working parents considering political journalism.”