Lucy McDaid – Rising Political Voice at ITV News West Country
The media landscape in the United Kingdom has always relied on talented journalists who combine clarity, rigour, and on-the-ground knowledge. One such figure making her mark is Lucy McDaid, a political correspondent at ITV News West Country. From her early beginnings in student media to becoming a trusted voice covering Westminster and the South West of England, Lucy’s career reflects dedication, skill, and adaptability.
This article explores her professional journey, academic background, and career milestones. It also addresses frequently searched aspects such as Lucy McDaid age, her absence from Wikipedia, and her growing role within ITV News and ITN.
Lucy McDaid at ITV News
Current Role as Political Correspondent
Lucy McDaid currently works as the Political Correspondent for ITV News West Country. In this role, she reports from both Westminster and the South West, offering audiences in-depth political coverage. Her position places her at the intersection of national politics and regional impact, ensuring viewers understand not only what happens in Parliament but also how it resonates in communities across Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset.
Responsibilities in Westminster and Beyond
Her work includes interviewing Members of Parliament, analysing policy changes, and producing features that make complex political developments accessible to audiences. By bridging the gap between the Westminster bubble and everyday concerns in the South West, she provides balance and perspective that resonates with ITV’s regional viewership.
Career Journey
Early Roles in Journalism
Lucy McDaid’s career began while she was still at university, gaining hands-on experience in broadcasting. She worked as a newsreader at Radio Cardiff and was actively involved in Xpress Radio and Cardiff University TV. These early steps gave her vital presenting skills and confidence in both radio and television settings.
Her first professional stints included roles as a freelance researcher at Good Morning Britain and as a freelance runner for The One Show on the BBC. These experiences exposed her to the fast-paced world of national broadcasting and allowed her to understand the demands of producing engaging live content.
Producer, Reporter, and Presenter at ITV West Country
In July 2018, Lucy joined ITV News West Country as a producer, reporter, and presenter. For nearly four years, she covered a wide spectrum of regional news stories, honing her ability to adapt quickly to breaking news, produce compelling packages, and present live on air. This role built her credibility and prepared her for future responsibilities in political journalism.
Transition to Westminster and ITN
After proving her ability in regional journalism, Lucy moved to ITN, the production company behind ITV News. Between 2022 and 2023, she worked as an Output Producer and later as a Westminster Multimedia Producer. These roles saw her managing political content for national audiences, including ITV Evening News and News at Ten.
Her work included running political online content directly from the Houses of Parliament, producing political reports, and coordinating coverage of key national debates. This period was crucial in establishing her Westminster credentials.
Freelance Experience
Outside ITV, Lucy also worked as a podcast producer, including producing The Innocence Podcast with presenter Kylie Pentelow. Freelancing allowed her to expand her skill set in digital formats and narrative-driven journalism, showcasing her adaptability beyond television news.
Education
Cardiff University
Lucy McDaid studied at Cardiff University, earning a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History between 2014 and 2017. During her studies, she immersed herself in campus media and societies, including radio, television, and pole sport. Her academic focus included Caribbean slavery, Victorian gothic fiction, German history, and military masculinity.
City, University of London
After Cardiff, Lucy pursued a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at City, University of London in 2017–2018. This postgraduate programme is renowned for producing many of the UK’s top journalists, equipping her with advanced broadcasting, reporting, and editing skills.
Additional Training
Earlier, she attended Wyedean Sixth Form Centre, achieving A Levels in History, English Literature, and Drama. She also took part in the Young Actor’s Studio at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, sharpening her presentation and performance skills. This theatrical background later supported her confident on-screen presence.
Lucy McDaid Age
While her exact date of birth has not been publicly disclosed, her education timeline allows an informed estimate. Completing sixth form in 2012 suggests she was around 18 at the time. By 2018 she had finished her Master’s degree, which typically places graduates in their early to mid-twenties. From this, Lucy McDaid’s age in 2025 is likely between 29 and 31 years old.
Lucy McDaid and Wikipedia
At present, Lucy McDaid does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page. However, her name appears in references within other Wikipedia entries where her reporting has been cited, such as articles on local politics and public figures. As her career grows, it is highly likely that she will eventually merit a standalone page highlighting her contributions to British journalism.
Skills and Strengths
Newsreading and Presenting
Lucy combines a clear, authoritative delivery with the warmth needed for regional reporting. Her on-screen presence is natural and engaging, supported by her early training in acting and performance.
Production and Editing
From producing nightly bulletins to handling political online content, Lucy has proven her ability to manage complex news outputs under tight deadlines. Her technical skills in editing and producing further strengthen her versatility.
Political Communication
Her most significant strength lies in political communication — simplifying policies, debates, and legislation for wider audiences. Whether she is reporting from the Houses of Parliament or a village in Somerset, Lucy ensures viewers understand how national decisions affect local realities.
ITV News and ITN Connection
Lucy McDaid’s career is closely tied to ITV News and ITN. ITN, the production company, has a long history of producing news content for ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Lucy’s progression within this environment — from producer to correspondent — demonstrates both trust in her abilities and her potential for future leadership roles in broadcast journalism.
Freelance and Diversified Work
Lucy’s brief period as a freelance producer also highlights her entrepreneurial spirit. Working on podcasts and digital projects has allowed her to experiment with long-form storytelling and narrative journalism, adding depth to her broadcast work.
The Future of Lucy McDaid’s Career
Given her steady rise from student radio to political correspondent within less than a decade, Lucy McDaid is a journalist to watch. Her combination of regional experience, Westminster insight, and digital adaptability positions her well for continued success. It is entirely possible she could become a familiar face on national news bulletins in the years ahead.
Conclusion
Lucy McDaid has carved out an impressive career in a relatively short time, rising from student journalist to a respected political correspondent at ITV News West Country. With a background in English literature, history, and broadcast journalism, she blends academic insight with professional skill. Her journey through ITV West Country, ITN, and freelance projects demonstrates versatility and ambition.
Though her exact age remains undisclosed and she does not yet have a Wikipedia page, the trajectory of her career speaks volumes. Whether reporting from Westminster or telling stories from across the South West, Lucy McDaid embodies the qualities of a modern political journalist: informed, articulate, and relatable.
