In this week’s spotlight, we speak to Chris Musson, The Scottish Sun’s Associate Editor (Politics), who was named Journalist of the Year at the 2021 Scottish Press Awards, for his work as Scottish Political Editor. He talks to us about holding power to account, and the importance of listening to those around you.

In a sentence: tell us what you do at News UK?
I oversee The Scottish Sun’s political coverage and write editorials.

Lay a bit more detail on that – what’s a typical day?
It usually starts with the cat pawing my face at 4am. I’ll try to get another couple of hours’ sleep, then the working day kicks off with listening to morning radio shows while gathering a list of stories for conference at noon. I’ll liaise with the editor and her deputy to plan the politics coverage, then, I’ll pull together the articles with the team, doing whatever legwork and interviews are required. We also adapt any relevant politics stories from Harry Cole’s Lobby team for the Scottish audience. I’ll squeeze in some admin, maybe meet a contact or two if possible, and finish the day by writing leaders.

What’s the most interesting part of your job?
Digging up stories that somebody in power doesn’t want published, and giving our audience something that no other outlet is offering.

Without blushing – tell us what makes you passionate and purposeful in doing what you do?
I love holding those in power to account, explaining complex issues to our audience in an informative and entertaining way, sticking up for our readers, and exposing the ruses of governments that try to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

Last book, film, series, and music you consumed?
Book – Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro
Film – Sing 2
Music – Hit Reset, by The Julie Ruin

Last holiday destination? And why?
The south coast of England where my wife’s family is from. It feels like a world away from Scotland – though mainly because of the weather.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?
Keep it secret, if possible. Pay off my familys mortgages, put a big chunk of money away for my daughter, buy a house by the sea, and set up a charity to help get more kids into grassroots sports. My daughter would ask for every Harry Potter Lego set, but she’s not getting anything else until she picks up the pieces off her bedroom floor.

What was the last gift you gave to someone – and why?
I bought my wife a tennis racket and lessons for her birthday in January. After a few outdoor sessions in Glasgow this winter, I’m not sure she’ll ever pick up a racket again.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your role?
Reporting on politics has been frantic in Scotland since before the 2014 independence referendum. But covering the pandemic, from home, with a restless five-year-old – well, she’s now seven – was insane. Due to a turn of events beyond our control, I got married on June 23, 2016 – Brexit referendum day. I assured my wife I would just work overnight and the following day, and then I’d have a week off. Then the Leave vote happened…

Who inspires you the most within and outside of News UK?
I’ve known some incredible journalists in News UK who I’ve learned so much from, writing about politics and beyond. The Scottish Sun’s Chief Features Writer Matt Bendoris never ceases to amaze me with the skill, enthusiasm and care he shows with every spread – after about, erm, 70 years in the job. As for someone outside News UK – my daughter has helped me see the world through fresh eyes, which is always good.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Throw yourself into it – but listen carefully to those around you. Don’t be cowed by anyone in power – they’re the ones who should feat you. Never get personal – always remain professional and deal fairly with everyone. Always think about how stories affect your readers, listeners or viewers – if they’re not relevant, is it even a story? And if you don’t know the answer, don’t pretend – just have an idea of where you can find out.

Who is your role model? And why?
My late uncle, Andy Holden, ran in the Olympics and won a load of international marathons. He was like a hero to me when I was a kid, and looking back at his achievements in an era of amateur athletics, it’s all the more amazing. He achieved a unique feat of representing Great Britain in five distance running disciplines: roads, cross-country, fells, and indoors and outdoors on track. He also drank 10 pints of beer the night before winning the Bermuda Marathon in 1979, breaking legend Ron Hill’s course record and beating a world-class field. I’ve never really thought of a “why”, but if he can pull that off while working full-time, as he did, I suppose it shows that if you put in enough effort you can achieve pretty much anything – all while having a good ol’ time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never be afraid of asking the ‘stupid’ or ‘obvious’ questions.