Laura Kuenssberg Recounts Uncomfortable Encounters with Politicians

Former BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg has detailed unsettling encounters with politicians, including an alleged invitation to a threesome from a government minister. These accounts are featured in her new book, "Pay Attention."

One described incident occurred during a party conference. Kuenssberg visited a government minister's hotel room for a scheduled meeting, expecting to find him and an adviser. Instead, she found the minister sprawled on his bed with his partner present, in a scene she characterized as potentially suggestive of a threesome invitation.

"It was very uncomfortable," Kuenssberg stated when questioned about the possibility of a threesome, adding that she left the room promptly. She noted that she might have misinterpreted the situation. "As I say, maybe they weren't and I got it completely wrong."

This was not the only uncomfortable encounter Kuenssberg reported. She also recounted a separate instance where a married government minister she met for political discussions invited her to the theatre and engaged in "a little grope." Kuenssberg stated she ceased all contact with this individual.

Another politician, a former minister, would greet her with a kiss on the head each time they met, which Kuenssberg described as "weird." Additionally, a peer, whose gender was not specified, once sent her a "really creepy text" complimenting her attire on television, prompting Kuenssberg to stop responding.

Speaking to The Times, Kuenssberg expressed concern about the behavior of some politicians and the potential vulnerability of young journalists and staff entering the industry. "People do things. And human behaviour is a complicated thing and sometimes people behave badly," she said. "There is still a concern in Westminster that particularly young people starting out are sometimes very vulnerable."

Kuenssberg also addressed the abuse she has received throughout her career, particularly during the Brexit referendum period. Following an online message containing offensive remarks, she stopped engaging with social media. At times, the BBC provided bodyguards due to safety concerns, and she once had to leave a Jeremy Corbyn campaign event after being confronted by a group of "irate" men.

The book also delves into Kuenssberg's experiences interviewing political figures such as Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer, and analyzes the increasing polarization and fragmentation within politics. She dedicates sections to Nigel Farage, whom she described as "incredibly gifted" but also belonging to a "different category" of politicians, citing an instance where he dismissed a request for proof of allegations based on "intuition."

Kuenssberg, who was born in Italy and raised in Glasgow, has been married to management consultant James Kelly since 2017. Her book, "Pay Attention," explores her career as a political journalist, including her transition from political editor to hosting "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg."