Olivia Utley: A Rising Voice in British Political Journalism

Olivia Utley has become a recognised name in British political journalism, admired for her sharp commentary, on-screen presence, and ability to engage audiences with complex political debates. As a Political Correspondent and Presenter at GB News, her journey reflects both dedication and versatility. This article provides a comprehensive profile of Olivia Utley — covering her early life, education, career progression, family background, and personal milestones.

Early Life and Background

Born on 7 October 1993, Olivia Utley grew up in London, surrounded by a family with deep connections to British journalism. Her uncle, Tom Utley, is a well-known columnist for the Daily Mail, while her great-uncle, T. E. Utley, was a respected conservative journalist. This family environment instilled in her a passion for politics, debate, and the written word from an early age.

Education

The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

Olivia attended The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School from 2010 to 2012, achieving A A A** at A Level. Her academic record demonstrated not only intelligence but also the discipline that would later serve her in journalism.

Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith

Before her A Levels, she studied at Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith, where she excelled at GCSEs, gaining 9 A–A grades*.

University of York

Between 2012 and 2015, she studied English Literature (British and Commonwealth) at the University of York, graduating with First Class Honours. Her time at York was pivotal: she honed her skills in research, analysis, and writing, and also worked as a student caller in the university’s fundraising campaigns. York would also become the place where she met her future husband.

Early Career

Parliamentary Researcher

Olivia began her professional career in 2016, working as a Parliamentary Researcher to The Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP in the House of Commons. She wrote articles, newsletters, speeches, and handled a range of constituency communications. This role provided her with first-hand insight into parliamentary procedures and political communications.

Reaction.life

In 2017, she moved into media, joining Reaction.life as News and Features Editor. There she worked closely with editor Iain Martin, covering politics, economics, and culture. Her experience at Reaction refined her editorial judgement and broadened her understanding of public debate.

TheArticle and The Sun

In 2018, Olivia joined TheArticle, a new online magazine, as Deputy Editor. With Daniel Johnson, she commissioned, edited, and published multiple pieces each day, emphasising “both sides of every story”. She also maintained the site’s social media presence and contributed a regular Westminster column.

In 2019, she became Head of PR and Deputy Leader Writer at The Sun, one of Britain’s most widely read newspapers. Here she played a central role in shaping commentary and public relations strategy, combining editorial skill with an understanding of audience engagement.

The Telegraph

From January 2021 to October 2022, Olivia Utley served as Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph. She was responsible for editing, commissioning opinion pieces, and ensuring balanced coverage of political issues. Her sharp editorial instinct during this time cemented her reputation as one of the rising voices of British political commentary.

GB News

Joining GB News

In October 2022, Olivia transitioned to broadcast journalism, joining GB News as a Political Reporter. Within less than a year, she was promoted to Political Correspondent in August 2023, covering Westminster politics in depth.

Presenter Roles

By 2025, she had further advanced to become a Political Correspondent and Presenter, appearing regularly on GB News programmes. She co-hosts Saturday Morning Live from 10–12, engaging audiences with political interviews, commentary, and analysis.

Her rise at GB News demonstrates both versatility and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced demands of broadcast journalism.

Writing and Commentary

Beyond her editorial roles, Olivia Utley has written for major publications including The Times, City AM, Standpoint, and CapX. Her articles often focus on themes such as:

  • Intergenerational inequality.

  • The appeal of the far left to younger voters.

  • The role of social media in shaping political narratives.

She is also a familiar face on programmes for the BBC and Sky News, where she has appeared as a political commentator.

Personal Life

Marriage

Olivia met her husband while studying at the University of York. The couple later married at Middlethorpe Hall, a historic house in York, where she posted about the “perfect start to married life.” Despite her public profile, Olivia keeps her husband’s identity private, and his name has not been disclosed in mainstream media.

Children

Her personal journey into motherhood has been both emotional and inspiring. In September 2024, she revealed publicly that she and her husband had lost their first baby at 13 weeks the previous year. She described how, a year later, she was expecting again — calling her second pregnancy a “rainbow baby”, due on Christmas Day 2024.

In late December 2024, she gave birth to her son, Wilfred George Dunnett-Stone. Olivia has since spoken and written candidly about motherhood, balancing her career with family life, and the challenges of early parenthood.

Health Challenges

In July 2023, Olivia posted about completing her chemotherapy, celebrating the milestone with optimism and gratitude. While she has not shared extensive details publicly, her resilience during this period has been recognised by many of her followers.

Age and Current Status

As of 2025, Olivia Utley is 31 years old. She continues to work as a Political Correspondent and Presenter at GB News, balancing her professional commitments with her role as a new mother.

Legacy and Influence

A Voice for Younger Audiences

Olivia represents a new generation of political journalists who combine traditional editorial skills with digital engagement. Her openness about personal struggles, such as pregnancy loss and recovery from illness, has resonated with audiences, adding authenticity to her professional image.

Bridging Print and Broadcast

Her career illustrates the bridge between traditional print journalism and modern broadcast media. Starting with roles at Reaction, TheArticle, and The Telegraph, she seamlessly transitioned to television with GB News.

Conclusion

Olivia Utley’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and commitment to political journalism. From her formative years at the University of York to her rise at GB News, she has demonstrated a capacity to shape debate, analyse politics, and engage viewers. Her family heritage in journalism, combined with her own hard work, has made her a recognisable figure in British media.

At just 31, with a successful career, a young family, and an ever-growing public presence, Olivia Utley continues to establish herself as one of the most promising political correspondents in the United Kingdom.

NewsDip.co.uk

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