Robert Peston: BBC Economics editor offered role at ITV’s News at Ten

Peston is said to be weighing up the offer, which is believed to involve a considerable pay rise

Robert Peston first joined the BBC in 2006 as Business editor (Rex)

Robert Peston, the BBC’s Economics editor, has been offered the role of Political editor at ITV’s flagship News at Ten bulletin, according to insiders.

Peston is said to be weighing up the offer, which is believed to involve a considerable pay rise.

Peston would join a revamped News at Ten, taking over the role vacated by Tom Bradby, who has been appointed the ITV bulletin’s sole anchor.

A number of leading television journalists applied for the political role, including Channel 4 News host Cathy Newman, according to Radio Times, which reported the Peston approach.

ITV is looking to beef up News at Ten, which is regularly beaten in the ratings by its BBC rival. Ministers have suggested that the main BBC1 bulletin should not go head-to-head with ITV but the corporation is also mulling plans to extend the 10pm programme to 45 minutes.

Earlier this year, Peston, who joined the BBC in 2006 as Business editor, said: “I sort of feel that I wouldn’t mind another big change, but I haven’t the faintest idea what it would be.” He is expected to make a decision by the end of the week and is said to be torn between accepting the new challenge or remaining at the BBC.