James Forsyth is the new Political Editor of the Spectator
Fraser Nelson 4:12pmThe white smoke lasted all of a few seconds: from the moment I became editor I knew who I wanted to succeed me as political editor. In what few discussions I had about it, the same name was clearly ahead. And reading the comment threads, you guys knew it too. But today it’s official: James Forsyth, whose political analysis you have been following for so long, will be the new political editor of The Spectator. Coffee House is one place where he really does need no introduction. James has done more than anyone else to establish this blog’s reputation for political analysis: writers, like me, follow the template he set. Its an incredible achievement which, if I were him, I’d brag about a lot more than he does. What you see around you in this screen is only the most visible sign of his energy and ability.
When I did the job, I was mindful of the rather daunting list of names that went before me – including Charles Moore, Ferdinand Mount, Simon Heffer, Bruce Anderson and Peter Oborne. The odd thing about The Spectator is that, when you look at its history, it seems to be an all-star cast – but this isn’t always the case at the time. When Timothy Garton Ash started filing on the collapse of communism, for example, he was an unheard-of research student in Berlin. Not that James has come from nowhere. In the space of a few years, he has already established a reputation for forward-looking, timely and impeccably-informed political analysis. He was very much part of the team that Matt d’Ancona established here, becoming promoted to deputy editor (online) two years ago – both Matt and I spoke of him as a future political editor. So while this is, perhaps, the most important appointment I’ll make as editor it is one that I make unhesitatingly and wholeheartedly. It is, for us at The Spectator, a no-brainer. Congratulations, James.
Previous
Fatbloke on tour
October 5th, 2009 4:30pm Report this commentIt's all a bit too much West Virginia for me.
However looking at the big picture, excellent appointment which will continue the love in currently underway SpectatorLand.
Hubris anyone?
Tom Burroughes
October 5th, 2009 4:40pm Report this commentCongratulations, and thoroughly deserved.
Andy Carpark
October 5th, 2009 4:44pm Report this comment'James has done more than anyone else to establish this blog’s reputation for political analysis.'
'He was very much part of the team that Matt d’Ancona established.'
** Sound of derisive laughter from the cheap seats. **
Vulture
October 5th, 2009 4:52pm Report this commentSound names all, with the exception of Tim Garton-Crash. It's a great pity that thith lithping paragon of the Guardianisthas and fanatical Euro-maniac didn't thstay an obscure research student.
James W
October 5th, 2009 4:53pm Report this commentCongratulations James - well deserved.
Nicholas
October 5th, 2009 5:07pm Report this comment"However looking at the big picture . . . "
You mean you can actually see a big picture through those foam-flecked, steamed up, John Lennon glasses?
Tiberius
October 5th, 2009 5:15pm Report this commentWell the appointment has my approval, Fraser, and congratulations to James. (We will indeed carry the day on 50% tax, Mr Forsyth!)
He has a lot to live up to for sure, and you're both on the young side to hold such important positions, but the man on the top floor will ensure fair play.
But a sad day for some still working at News International, perhaps ;)
Leonard
October 5th, 2009 5:34pm Report this commentGreat news. I would also like to see Paul Johnson's return as he brought a certain intellectual dash to an already intellectual weekly...
jon dee
October 5th, 2009 6:10pm Report this commentCongratulations James Forsyth.
So well earned and deserved.
EC
October 5th, 2009 6:15pm Report this commentCongrats and trebles all round then.
Speaking of News International, after the departure of M d'A I think that the owners of the Speccie missed a trick by not installing Kelvin MacKenzie as editor.
Not good when things get too cosy.
Fatbloke on tour
October 5th, 2009 6:17pm Report this commentNicky
Calm down son, its only a blog.
However as always with rants, I think it tells SpectatorLand more about you than it does me.
John Lennon glasses, I take it the bloke / burd who stole your first and so far only love was wearing them?
Talia
October 5th, 2009 6:28pm Report this commentWhy do you read this blog, Fat Bloke?
Disillusioned
October 5th, 2009 7:07pm Report this commentCongratulations James. A great appointment. Please follow in the footsteps of Fraser and bring us economic analysis combined with political insight. There really is no separating the two.
Vulture
October 5th, 2009 7:08pm Report this comment@ Talia. He's trying to improve what passes for his mind. You should see him doing his remedial reading. One podgy finger travelling slowly across the words as his tongue lolls out of the corner of his mouth. But he tries, bless him!
strapworld
October 5th, 2009 7:37pm Report this commentCongratulations Mr Forsyth. Well deserved.
For one minute I thought Mr Nelson was considering Kevin McGuire???
Battle 2807
October 5th, 2009 7:48pm Report this commentAh yes, but is he as good looking as you Fraser? You must remember us grandmothers. Lets have a picture, please.
SJH
October 5th, 2009 8:02pm Report this commentI think I would even prefer the collective form of address of "Comrades" to "you guys"...
"No-brainer" is a dangerously double-edged expression. Perhaps it can be left in America, where not having to think can be a form of reassurance.
Otherwise- you two chaps have deservedly come a long way.
Nicholas
October 5th, 2009 9:10pm Report this comment@ Vulture
I sometimes wonder how these "equality & fairness" leftist trolls reconcile their "goodness" and moral superiority with their nasty party line in patronising diminutives and crude attempts at psychological intimidation.
Then I think of Andrzej Wajda's 2007 'Katyn' and it all becomes very clear.
Fatbloke on tour
October 5th, 2009 11:01pm Report this commentTalia
Following the thoughts and teachings of Sun Tzu if you must know.
That and winding up the EU nutters that populate SpectatorLand.
Fatbloke on tour
October 5th, 2009 11:10pm Report this commentNicky
What's the story?
Right wing nutter wins the SpectatorLand "Recycling" award?
Katyn -- what analogy is this you are trying to build in crayon?
Away and through shite at yourself.
Watching a film with subtitles doesn't make you an intellectual.
Any chance of some original thought?
It might be lonely but it would be a start.
Verity
October 6th, 2009 1:53am Report this commentFartbloke - it's a forum. Try not to get the wind up.
As I cannot, from this posting site, refer back to the post to which I am responding, that's it. Not exactly vivacious.
But to The Spectator, there are no circumstances under which I will subscribe to your magazine. If you make it further inconvenient to post, there are around a hundred literate (and, importantly, international) Anglosphere sites out there,including The Telegraph and The Times.
Sheila The Bartender
October 6th, 2009 2:11am Report this commentFat Bloke ... lardy, angry, ignorant and feels he never gets the recognition due to him in the pub.
Probably not much fun on a date. In fact, gals, my intuition is we would rather walk home over uneven pavements in stilettos than let this creep know where we live.
Cuffleyburgers
October 6th, 2009 7:32am Report this commentOoh fatbloke - looked as if he landed one on you there!
Fatbloke on tour
October 6th, 2009 9:04am Report this commentReel them in.
The net is getting full.
Now where did I put that dictionary?
Dennis Sewell
October 6th, 2009 9:24am Report this commentWarmest congratulations, James. You will be superb.
Nicholas
October 6th, 2009 9:27am Report this comment"Away and through shite at yourself."
It's "throw" . . . . . fatty.
But I'll leave the infantile games to you. You have the government for it.
Nicholas
October 6th, 2009 9:27am Report this comment"Away and through shite at yourself."
It's "throw" . . . . . fatty.
But I'll leave the infantile games to you. You have the government for it.
Tiberius
October 6th, 2009 11:55am Report this commentVerity: you can refer back!
Drag the Comment box to the bottom of your moniter and use the scroll bar to go back up and read the previous posts.
Pls let me know how you get on.
TGF UKIP
October 6th, 2009 12:50pm Report this commentWell done, Fraser, exactly the right man and to James a very well deserved elevation - are we now going to see you gracing our screens on Question Time?
However, with the Obama Administration leading the US to perdition, you need, Fraser, exactly the right voice to resurrect Americano and comment on US matters. Can I suggest Andrew Corlett, aka Conservative Cabbie, would have exactly the right voice and tone.
As to wider defence and foreign policy commentary which has also been very much James' turf, don't you dare appoint that pompous europhile guardianista, Korski. If we want that sort of analysis we can always go to the Guardian or New Statesman.
Back to top