Daisy McAndrew

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Daisy McAndrew (née Sampson) (born 1972, London, England) is chief political correspondent of ITV News.

1 Biography
- 1.1 Controversy
2 Personal life
3 External links

[edit] Biography

At 19, Sampson worked as a researcher in the House of Commons, transferring to The House Magazine which she went on to edit between 1995 and 1997 before becoming a freelance political journalist in the House of Commons Press Gallery. In November 1999, Sampson became a press secretary to the Liberal Democrat Leader, Charles Kennedy.

After the 2001 general election, Daisy decided to develop a career in broadcasting, offering regular contributions across television and radio, and before long she presenting Channel 4's lunchtime political programme, Powerhouse. In the meantime, a weekly interview column continued for The House Magazine, reporting on politicians from all parties.

Sampson came to national prominence as a BBC News presenter, co-hosting weekday lunchtime show The Daily Politics with Andrew Neil and presenting Yesterday in Parliament on BBC Breakfast. From January 2005 until August 2005, she presented the weekday drivetime show for LBC 97.3 in London. From September 2005, she has been chief political correspondent of ITV News.

[edit] Controversy

In January 2006, it was alleged that McAndrew was responsible for the ITV News story that led to Liberal Democrat Leader, Charles Kennedy being forced to reveal that he was a recovering alcoholic. Kennedy's party colleagues chose to captalise on what was already low-key public knowledge, this forced his resignation and triggered a leadership election. Having previously served as Kennedy's personal press secretary, McAndrew's role in this story were widely questioned, with some broadcasters and journalists airing the view that she had turned on her former employer in the back and dubbing her '‘"the blonde assassain"'’. Others might say that Kennedy's colleagues had questioned his capabilities to lead the party, and chose to capitalise on the situation.

[edit] Personal life

In August 2005, Sampson married John McAndrew, former editor of The Daily Politics, now at Sky News.

According the BBC News website, away from work she has many other interests.

"A self-confessed speed-junkie, motorcycles, go-karts, dune-buggies and fast cars are her other passions as well as throwing parties, cooking, walking her dog Ted and endlessly moving home!" [1]

On 13 January 2006, Alistair Sampson, McAndrew's father died [2] having previously provided "Daisy's Dad's Daily Ditties" on her show.