Martin
Pippa Crerar is one of the most respected and fearless political journalists in the United Kingdom, known for her investigative rigor and scoops that have reshaped public accountability. As Political Editor at The Guardian and co-host of ITV’s Peston, Crerar’s career spans more than two decades of reporting from City Hall to Westminster. Her fearless journalism—ranging from exposing Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach to dissecting Labour’s 2024 election victory—has made her a defining voice in modern British politics.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pippa Crerar |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 1976 |
| Place of Birth | United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Scott Trust Bursary trainee at The Guardian (1999–2000) |
| Occupation | Journalist, Political Editor |
| Current Roles | Political Editor at The Guardian, Co-host of ITV Peston |
| Previous Roles | Political Editor at Daily Mirror, Deputy Political Editor at The Guardian, City Hall Editor at Evening Standard |
| Notable Scoops | Dominic Cummings lockdown breach (Barnard Castle, 2020), Partygate scandal |
| Awards | Political Journalist of the Year (Press Awards 2023), Society of Editors Media Freedom Award 2023, British Journalism Awards Scoop of the Year |
| Family | Family background largely private; supportive parents instilled integrity; sibling information not publicly disclosed |
| Spouse/Children | Keeps personal life private; resides in London with family |
| Broadcast Appearances | ITV Peston, BBC Radio 4 Week in Westminster, Sky News, Politics Live, LBC |
| Writing Style | Investigative, factual, narrative-driven, accessible |
| Career Start | Trainee journalist at The Guardian (Scott Trust bursary) |
| Impact | Exposed Westminster scandals, shaped public accountability, mentored junior journalists, influenced multi-platform political journalism |
| Notable Coverage | Boris Johnson’s mayoralty, Brexit, Labour 2024 victory, NHS policies, Rishi Sunak government decisions |
| Public Engagement | Active on X (@PippaCrerar), conference keynotes, public panels |
| Future Prospects | Potential authorships, continued Guardian leadership, broadcast expansion, mentoring upcoming journalists |
Early Life and Family Background of Pippa Crerar
Pippa Crerar was born on 19 June 1976 in the UK, growing up in a family that valued integrity, honesty, and education. While information about her parents remains largely private, it is known that their emphasis on ethics and public service profoundly influenced Crerar’s career choices. She grew up alongside siblings whose identities are respectfully unpublicized, though family support played a key role in nurturing her curiosity and resilience.
Crerar’s formative years were marked by a fascination with storytelling and an analytical mind. She frequently recounted family discussions about current events, politics, and social responsibility as pivotal to shaping her understanding of civic duty. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career focused on political accountability.
Education and Early Journalism Training
Pippa Crerar’s passion for journalism led her to secure the prestigious Scott Trust bursary in 1999–2000, which enabled her to train at The Guardian. The bursary program, designed to support underrepresented voices in media, allowed her to combine hands-on newsroom experience with rigorous ethical instruction.
During this period, she honed critical skills in investigative reporting, meeting tight deadlines and uncovering nuanced stories. Early assignments involved deep dives into public policy, community governance, and emerging national trends. This foundational training cemented her commitment to factual, impact-driven journalism and prepared her for Westminster’s high-pressure environment.
Early Career: Evening Standard and City Hall Editor
After completing her Guardian training, Crerar joined the Evening Standard, quickly rising to Political Correspondent and later City Hall Editor. During the tenure of Mayor Boris Johnson (2008–2016), she reported on transport initiatives, housing projects, and Olympic legacies with exceptional scrutiny.
Crerar earned a reputation for piercing political spin, conducting meticulous interviews with aides, opposition members, and stakeholders. Her exclusives revealed governance gaps and financial shortfalls, establishing her as a trusted voice among local and national political figures. This decade of reporting sharpened her instincts for complex political landscapes, a skill that would become invaluable at national level.
Return to The Guardian: Deputy Political Editor
Rejoining The Guardian as Deputy Political Editor, Crerar expanded her remit to cover national politics. She became a co-presenter of the Politics Weekly podcast, demystifying Brexit negotiations and cabinet dynamics for readers and listeners alike. Her coverage of Theresa May’s government provided accessible explanations of confidence votes, resignations, and internal party conflicts.
Her podcasting work showcased her ability to translate complex political events into clear, engaging narratives, strengthening her digital presence and broadening her audience. Mentoring junior reporters became part of her role, demonstrating early leadership abilities.
Daily Mirror Era: Unmasking Partygate
Crerar’s tenure as Political Editor at the Daily Mirror (2018–2022) solidified her reputation as a fearless investigative journalist. In May 2020, she co-reported with Matthew Weaver to expose Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach to Barnard Castle, a scoop that ignited nationwide discussion and scrutiny. This story won Scoop of the Year at the British Journalism Awards, cementing her status as a journalist who could shape public opinion and influence government accountability.
In 2021, she continued her incisive reporting during the Partygate scandal, uncovering Downing Street parties during national COVID restrictions, leading to fines for Boris Johnson and ultimately contributing to his resignation in 2022. Crerar’s investigative techniques—combining leaked documents, interviews, and forensic verification—earned praise for their rigor and impartiality.
Guardian Political Editor: National Influence Since 2022
In August 2022, Pippa Crerar returned to The Guardian as Political Editor, succeeding Heather Stewart. Editor Katharine Viner recognized her agenda-setting ability and investigative skills. Crerar led coverage of Liz Truss’ 49-day premiership, detailing the mini-budget fallout, market reactions, and political upheaval.
Under Rishi Sunak, she investigated NHS controversies, private healthcare payments, and public sector strikes. Her team’s reporting scrutinized government decisions on Rwanda asylum schemes and environmental policies, reinforcing her commitment to accountability journalism.
Labour Government Scrutiny Post-2024
Following the 2024 Labour landslide under Keir Starmer, Crerar maintained her critical lens. She embedded with campaigns to report intra-party tensions, funding disputes, and policy proposals. Her coverage of Rachel Reeves’ budgets and David Lammy’s foreign policy initiatives in 2026 ensures that the public remains informed about government decisions.
Crerar’s impartiality and investigative depth have earned cross-party respect, demonstrating that even in highly polarized environments, rigorous journalism can command authority.
Broadcast Presence and Media Influence
Expanding beyond print, Pippa Crerar co-hosts ITV’s Peston since September 2025, following Anushka Asthana’s departure. On-air, she interviews prominent politicians, holding them accountable with a balance of warmth and incisiveness.
She is also a frequent contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Week in Westminster, Sky News, and LBC, while podcasts like Politics Weekly continue to amplify her reach. Crerar’s work has extended into popular culture, with her reporting depicted in the drama This England, highlighting her role in documenting pivotal political events.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Pippa Crerar has received multiple accolades for political reporting:
- Political Journalist of the Year, Press Awards 2023
- Society of Editors Media Freedom Award 2023
- British Journalism Awards, Scoop for Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach
Judges consistently highlight her fearless approach, meticulous sourcing, and public service commitment, reinforcing her status as a benchmark for investigative political journalism.
Reporting Philosophy and Leadership Style
Crerar’s journalistic philosophy centers on public interest, accuracy, and ethical responsibility. She mentors junior reporters, encouraging resilience and ethical reporting in high-pressure environments. Diversity and inclusion remain priorities, reflecting her Scott Trust bursary roots.
Her leadership balances aggressive investigative tactics with team welfare, ensuring that impactful journalism does not come at the expense of well-being. In 2026, she navigates challenges like AI-driven misinformation while maintaining source protection and reporting integrity.
Personal Life and Influences
Pippa Crerar resides in London, where she balances an intense professional life with family. She keeps her personal life largely private, though she cites family support as crucial in sustaining her demanding career.
Her personal interests in literature, travel, and cultural exploration inform her narrative style, enriching her storytelling with historical context and human depth. Mentors from her early career at the Evening Standard and The Guardian have influenced her analytical approach, shaping her into a respected authority in political journalism.
Digital Presence and Public Engagement
Crerar maintains an active presence on X (@PippaCrerar), sharing real-time political insights, analysis, and occasional commentary with over 500,000 followers. Her engagement spans conferences, panel discussions, and public speaking events, extending her influence beyond traditional media.
Through digital platforms, Crerar educates the public on political developments, demonstrating that impactful journalism can coexist with modern media engagement.
Legacy and Impact on British Political Journalism
Pippa Crerar’s work has redefined accountability journalism in the UK. Her Partygate reporting not only led to ministerial fines and resignations but also set a new standard for investigative political coverage. Her oversight of Labour’s 2024 election government continues to shape public understanding of party dynamics and policy implementation.
Crerar exemplifies multi-platform journalism, blending print, digital, and broadcast media to ensure transparency and civic engagement. Her career serves as a blueprint for aspiring journalists.
Future Horizons for Pippa Crerar
At 49 in 2026, Crerar continues to explore new platforms and storytelling techniques. Potential future projects include investigative books on Westminster scandals, expanded roles in broadcast media, and mentoring initiatives to train the next generation of political reporters.
Challenges such as regulatory changes, AI in journalism, and polarized political discourse will test her adaptability, yet her track record of integrity, meticulous research, and audience engagement positions her for continued influence.
Conclusion
Pippa Crerar embodies fearless, principled, and impactful political journalism. From her early Scott Trust bursary to her Guardian leadership and ITV broadcasting, she has shaped the UK’s political discourse through exemplary investigative reporting. Her career—highlighted by Partygate scoops, Labour coverage, and broadcast presence—demonstrates the enduring power of journalism in safeguarding democracy and holding leaders accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Pippa Crerar?
Pippa Crerar is the Political Editor of The Guardian and co-host of ITV’s Peston, renowned for uncovering major Westminster scandals.
What is Pippa Crerar’s most famous scoop?
Exposing Dominic Cummings’ lockdown breach in 2020, which earned the British Journalism Awards Scoop of the Year.
Where does Pippa Crerar work?
She works at The Guardian as Political Editor and co-hosts ITV Peston.
What awards has Pippa Crerar won?
Political Journalist of the Year (Press Awards 2023), Society of Editors Media Freedom Award 2023, and British Journalism Awards.
Did Pippa Crerar cover Boris Johnson?
Yes, extensively during her Evening Standard tenure and later during Partygate at the Daily Mirror.
What TV and radio shows does Pippa Crerar appear on?
ITV Peston, BBC Radio 4’s Week in Westminster, Sky News, Politics Live, and LBC.
When did Pippa Crerar join The Guardian?
Initially trained in 1999–2000, served as Deputy Political Editor pre-2018, and became Political Editor in 2022.
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