Paul Brand: Celebrated Journalist and ITV UK Editor

Introduction

Paul Brand has established himself as one of the most influential journalists in the United Kingdom. Known for his fearless reporting and ability to uncover major political scandals, Paul has built a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and impactful storytelling. As the UK Editor for ITV News and presenter of the flagship current affairs program Tonight, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s understanding of political events and social issues.

His career has been marked by both remarkable achievements and challenging moments. While his groundbreaking investigations have brought praise and awards, they have also sparked controversy and political debate. This balance of positive and negative experiences demonstrates Paul’s unwavering dedication to the truth and his role as a watchdog of democracy.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Education

Paul Brand was born on 16 September 1985 in Bridgend, Wales, where he spent his formative years. Raised in the towns of Bridgend and St Athan, Paul developed an early interest in storytelling and politics. At his local comprehensive school, he stood out as a natural leader and was appointed head boy, demonstrating his strong communication and leadership skills from a young age.

Eager to pursue his dreams, Paul attended the University of Oxford, one of the world’s leading academic institutions. After completing his degree, he continued to build his professional expertise by studying journalism at City, University of London, supported by an ITV bursary. His education gave him the tools and confidence to enter the competitive world of broadcast journalism.

Family Life

Paul Brand shares his personal life with his husband, Joe Cuddeford, a senior UK civil servant. The couple’s journey to parenthood became public when they welcomed their first son, Tomos George Cuddeford-Brand, in June 2021 through surrogacy. Paul’s openness about their story has provided inspiration to many and highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ family representation in the media.

Despite his high-profile career, Paul maintains a balance between his demanding work life and his role as a devoted father and husband, showing that success can go hand-in-hand with strong family values.

Career Beginnings

Paul’s professional journey began at ITV Wales, where he worked as a production journalist. His passion for political reporting and his talent for uncovering stories quickly set him apart from his peers. Moving on to roles with ITV Yorkshire and ITV Tyne Tees & Border, Paul became a regional political correspondent, covering important stories that affected local communities and governance.

These early experiences allowed Paul to refine his skills as a journalist and build a foundation for his future national career. His work displayed his commitment to providing accurate and meaningful news to viewers.

Rising to National Prominence with ITV News

In 2016, Paul Brand joined ITV News as a national political correspondent. This role brought him into the spotlight, as he began reporting on significant political events such as Brexit, general elections, and government policy changes.

His clear communication style and sharp analytical skills earned him trust among audiences and colleagues alike. Paul’s ability to make complex political issues understandable to the public helped establish him as one of the leading political journalists of his generation.

Groundbreaking Investigations

AIDS Patient Zero Investigation

Paul led a sensitive and impactful investigation into the UK’s first recorded AIDS case, which became a widely viewed documentary on ITV Tonight. His storytelling honored the victims of the epidemic and educated the public about the early days of HIV in the UK. This work showcased Paul’s ability to handle delicate topics with empathy and precision.

Partygate Scandal

In 2021, Paul broke one of the biggest political stories in recent British history: the Partygate scandal. He obtained exclusive evidence showing illegal gatherings held by government officials during the strict COVID-19 lockdowns. His reporting sparked a national outcry, leading to public protests, parliamentary inquiries, and even high-profile resignations.
This investigation highlighted Paul’s role as a fearless journalist willing to challenge those in power, regardless of potential backlash.

Leadership at ITV

Paul’s excellence was recognized in 2021 when he was promoted to UK Editor for ITV News, making him responsible for overseeing national news coverage. In 2022, he further expanded his influence by becoming the lead presenter of ITV’s Tonight, one of the most respected current affairs programs in the UK.

In these roles, Paul continues to bring attention to pressing issues while mentoring the next generation of journalists. His leadership combines integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of modern journalism.

Awards and Achievements

Paul Brand’s dedication and hard work have earned him numerous awards:

• Broadcaster of the Year (2019) – PinkNews Awards, for his investigation into LGBT conversion therapy.

• Political Journalist of the Year (2020) – British Journalism Awards, for exposing care home failures during the pandemic.

• Excellence in Journalism Award (2020) – Press Gazette.

• Multiple RTS Awards (2021–2023) – Recognizing his exceptional reporting on Partygate.

• Specialist Journalist of the Year (2025) – For coverage of assisted dying laws.

• Political Journalist of the Year (2025) – For his comprehensive reporting on the 2024 UK General Election.

These honors reflect the wide-reaching impact of his work and his dedication to public service journalism.

Latest News (2025)

In 2025, Paul Brand continues to lead ITV News’ political coverage. His reporting on assisted dying legislation has earned him recognition for tackling complex ethical issues with care and balance.
Additionally, his coverage of the 2024 UK General Election was praised for its depth and fairness, further solidifying his position as one of the UK’s most respected journalists.

Legacy and Impact

Paul Brand’s career has left a lasting mark on the field of journalism. His fearless pursuit of the truth, especially through high-profile investigations like Partygate, has strengthened public trust in the media.
Through initiatives like School Diversity Week, which he co-founded, Paul has also advocated for inclusivity and acceptance in schools, using his platform to promote positive societal change.
His legacy will continue to inspire future journalists to value truth, transparency, and compassion in their work.

Conclusion

Paul Brand’s journey from a young boy in Wales to a leading national journalist is a story of ambition, dedication, and integrity. His work has exposed corruption, challenged authority, and brought hidden stories to light. While his investigations have sometimes sparked controversy, they have also led to positive changes and greater accountability.
As UK Editor for ITV News and a respected broadcaster, Paul remains a guiding force in modern journalism, proving that a single journalist can make a profound difference in society.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Paul Brand?
Paul Brand is a British journalist, UK Editor for ITV News, and presenter of Tonight, known for his investigative reporting and political coverage.

Q2: What is Paul Brand most famous for?
He is best known for exposing the Partygate scandal, one of the biggest political controversies in recent UK history.

Q3: What awards has Paul Brand won?
Paul has won numerous awards, including Political Journalist of the Year and multiple Royal Television Society (RTS) awards.

Q4: Who is Paul Brand’s spouse?
Paul is married to Joe Cuddeford, a senior UK civil servant.

Q5: Does Paul Brand have children?
Yes, Paul and Joe have a son, Tomos George Cuddeford-Brand, born in June 2021.

Newsb.co.uk