Harry Cole: The Political Editor Who Shaped British Political Journalism
Harry Cole is one of the most recognisable names in British political journalism. Known for his scoops, fearless reporting, and strong network within Westminster, he has risen from student activism and blogging to become the Political Editor of The Sun and, more recently, its Editor-at-Large in the United States. From his time as a blogger at Guido Fawkes to high-profile roles at The Mail on Sunday and The Sun, Cole has built a career that blends traditional political reporting with sharp commentary and digital influence.
This article explores Harry Cole’s journey, his personal connections, his Twitter (or X) presence, and his impact on journalism.
Early Life and Education
Harry Cole was born on 27 April 1986 and educated at some of the most prestigious institutions in England. He first attended Sevenoaks School (1998–2003) before moving to Tonbridge School (2003–2005). These formative years gave him exposure to a rigorous academic environment and early leadership opportunities.
He later studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he pursued a Master of Arts in Anthropology and Economic History (2005–2009). During this time, Cole was active in conservative student politics and became heavily involved with the Edinburgh University Conservative Association, building links that would later prove useful in his journalism career.
Breaking into Journalism
Blogging at Guido Fawkes
After graduating, Harry Cole began his career in political commentary as a blogger for Guido Fawkes (2009–2015). The Guido Fawkes blog was famous for breaking political scandals and offering a provocative alternative to the traditional Westminster press lobby. Cole quickly made his mark as a sharp commentator who understood the interplay of politics, media, and public perception.
Contributing Editor at The Spectator
Between 2012 and 2015, Cole worked as a Contributing Editor for The Spectator. This period allowed him to move from purely digital commentary into more established media, cementing his role as a political insider.
First Steps at News UK
Cole joined News UK in 2013 as a Diarist for The Sun on Sunday. By 2015, he was promoted to Westminster Correspondent for The Sun, reporting directly from Parliament. His reputation grew rapidly as he produced insider stories and exclusives, often scooping rival political editors.
Rise to Prominence
Deputy Political Editor at The Mail on Sunday
In November 2018, Harry Cole became Deputy Political Editor of The Mail on Sunday. This role placed him at the heart of one of Britain’s most influential Sunday newspapers. Cole worked closely with senior editors to provide in-depth coverage of Westminster battles, government decisions, and scandals that shaped British politics.
Political Editor of The Sun
In August 2020, Harry Cole returned to News UK as Political Editor of The Sun. This was the pinnacle of his UK-based career. During this time, Cole oversaw political coverage, directed teams of journalists, and delivered headline stories that resonated across the country.
One of his most famous scoops came in 2021, when he exposed Matt Hancock’s affair during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing the Health Secretary’s breach of lockdown rules. This investigation earned Cole the British Journalism Award for Scoop of the Year.
Transition to the United States
In 2025, Cole transitioned to a new role as Editor-at-Large for the U.S. edition of The Sun, based in Washington D.C. In this position, he:
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Writes a weekly Saturday column.
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Contributes a monthly opinion piece to the New York Post.
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Makes regular appearances on Fox News as a political commentator.
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Hosts a new evening political show produced by Red Seat Ventures, broadcast across YouTube, TalkTV, and social media.
This shift marks his ambition to influence political coverage not only in the UK but also in the United States.
Harry Cole on Twitter (X)
Harry Cole has always understood the power of social media. His account, @MrHarryCole, has long been a platform for breaking news, sharing political insights, and sparring with critics.
On Twitter/X, Cole combines wit with sharp political commentary, making his profile a must-follow for journalists, MPs, and politically engaged readers. His tweets range from exclusive insights into government decisions to humorous observations on Westminster gossip.
Many of his scoops have first been teased on social media before appearing in The Sun. This demonstrates how Cole bridges the divide between old-school political journalism and the new world of digital immediacy.
Personal Life and Carrie Symonds Connection
Cole’s personal life has occasionally drawn media interest, particularly his past relationship with Carrie Symonds (now Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson). The two were together before Carrie became involved with Boris Johnson around 2018.
Although the relationship ended, Cole later found himself covering stories related to his former partner when she became one of the most high-profile figures in Downing Street. This unusual situation was handled professionally, though it added a layer of intrigue to his reporting career.
As for his current marital status, there is no public record confirming whether Harry Cole is married. Unlike many public figures, he keeps his private life discreet.
Age and Career Longevity
At 39 years old (2025), Harry Cole has already built a career spanning more than 15 years. From his start as a student activist to his role as one of the UK’s most powerful political editors, he has demonstrated staying power in a competitive industry.
His career trajectory is a testament to:
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Adaptability: Moving from blogging to traditional newspapers and now multimedia broadcasting.
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Resilience: Breaking stories despite political pushback.
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Influence: Ranked among the 50 most influential right-wing figures in the UK by New Statesman in 2023.
Experiences and Achievements
Career Timeline
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2009–2015: Blogger, Guido Fawkes.
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2012–2015: Contributing Editor, The Spectator.
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2013–2015: Diarist, The Sun on Sunday.
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2015–2018: Westminster Correspondent, The Sun.
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2018–2020: Deputy Political Editor, The Mail on Sunday.
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2020–2025: Political Editor, The Sun.
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2025–Present: Editor-at-Large, The Sun US, Washington D.C.
Awards & Recognition
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British Journalism Award, Scoop of the Year (2021).
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Sunday Times Political Book of the Year (2022) for Out of the Blue, a book co-authored about Liz Truss’s rise and fall.
Legacy and Influence
Harry Cole represents a new generation of political journalists who combine traditional reporting with digital engagement. His career demonstrates how influence can be built across platforms: newspapers, television, books, and social media.
His role in British political life cannot be underestimated. By consistently breaking stories, Cole has influenced public debates, ministerial careers, and even government accountability. As he expands into the U.S. media scene, his influence looks set to grow even further.
Conclusion
Harry Cole’s career is a fascinating case study in modern journalism. He has moved seamlessly from blogger to editor, mastering both digital media and print journalism. His presence on Twitter/X, his impactful role at The Sun, and his transatlantic influence make him one of the most significant figures in political reporting today.
At 39, with a career already full of scoops, awards, and influence, Harry Cole’s next chapter in Washington D.C. may prove to be his most consequential yet. Whether covering Westminster, the White House, or the broader world of politics, his voice will remain one that shapes both journalism and public opinion.
