Andrew Marr
Television journalist and political commentator Andrew Marr (born 31st July 1959, Glasgow, Scotland) appeared as himself in "Aliens of London" and "World War Three".
Marr edited The Independent for two years, until May 1998, and was the political editor for the BBC from 2000 until 2005. He began hosting a new political programme on Sunday mornings on BBC One from September 2005 onwards.
Early Life
Andrew Marr was educated at the High School of Dundee, Craigflower School and at Loretto School, a famous boys' Independent school in Musselburgh, East Lothian in Scotland. He went on to read English at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge.
Media Career
Marr wrote as a columnist for The Daily Express and The Observer, before gaining appointment as BBC political editor in May 2000, making him one of the best-known faces on British television. He soon developed a trademark style, characterised by much gesticulation and hand-waving. He also became known for, and was widely praised for, his ability to contextualise Westminster gossip and intrigue, and explain to viewers and listeners how it would affect their lives. A great believer in the view that 'politics matters', Marr championed the democratic process and saw it as part of his role as Political Editor of the BBC to help make politics meaningful and relevant for many people for whom politics was traditionally boring, dull and something that happened only in Westminster corridors with middle-aged men in suits.
Among his notable 'scoops' as Political Editor were the second resignation of Peter Mandelson, and the interview in the autumn of 2004 in which Tony Blair told him that he would not seek a fourth term as Prime Minister should he win the forthcoming general election.
During his time as political editor, Marr also assumed various presenting jobs, and announced in 2005 that following the 2005 General Election, he would step down as Political Editor to spend more time with his family. In September 2005, he moved to a new role presenting the BBC's Sunday morning flagship news programme, Sunday AM (previously called Breakfast with Frost and hosted by Sir David Frost). Marr also hosts the BBC Radio 4 programme Start the Week.
Marr has written several books on politics and journalism, notably The Day Britain Died (2000) — a state-of-the-nation reflection — and My Trade: A Short History of British Journalism (2004). The former was, in addition, a three-part television series; following Newsnight in the BBC2 schedules.
Family
Marr lives in West London with his wife, the political journalist Jackie Ashley, a daughter of the former Labour MP, Jack Ashley, and the couple's three children.
External links
- Press Office — Andrew Marr — BBC biography
- 'Marr quits as BBC political chief' — BBC News
- Off The Telly: The Day That Britain Died — A review of BBC2's The Day That Britain Died
- TV is less up itself than newspapers — The Guardian
- Biogs.com information
