Robert Peston: Illness, Career, Books, and Life of the ITV Journalist
Robert Peston is a big name in the UK when it comes to news about politics and money. You’ve probably seen him on TV as ITV’s political editor or heard him on his podcast.
He hosts a show called Peston and writes books that make tricky topics like economics easy to understand. He’s also a dad, a charity founder, and super active on social media.
In this article, we’ll explore his life, from growing up to his latest 2025 news, like talking about taxes and politics. We’ll look at his career, books, family, and why he’s all over Google.
If you’re searching for “Robert Peston news” or “Robert Peston books,” this is for you!
Early Life and Family Background
Robert Peston was born on April 25, 1960, in London. His family was Jewish but not super religious. They loved smart ideas and big talks.
His dad, Maurice Peston, was a famous economist called Lord Peston, who worked in politics and supported groups like the British Humanist Association.
Growing up in that house made Robert curious about money and how the world works.
He went to a regular school, Highgate Wood Secondary, which kept him down-to-earth. Then he studied at Oxford University, learning about politics, economics, and ideas.
He also spent some time studying in Brussels. People search for “Robert Peston father” or “Lord Peston” because his dad’s story is a big part of his life.
This mix of brains and realness helps him connect with people, even when he’s talking about tough stuff like financial crises.
His News Career
Robert started working as a journalist in 1983. He wrote for Investors Chronicle and helped start The Independent newspaper in 1986.
By the 1990s, he was at the Financial Times, leading teams to dig up hidden stories as their Political and Financial Editor.
His big moment came in 2005 when he joined the BBC as Business Editor. In 2008, when banks like Northern Rock were collapsing, Robert broke the news first, making headlines and shaking things up. He also reported on huge deals like the HBOS-Lloyds merger.
For this, he won awards like Journalist of the Year from the Royal Television Society—twice! That’s why searches like “Robert Peston financial crisis” or “Robert Peston awards” are so popular.
In 2015, he moved to ITV to be their Political Editor. He hosts Peston, a weekly show with lively chats about politics, alongside Anushka Asthana.
The show airs Monday or Wednesday nights at 10:45 PM after ITV News, though it might skip some days for holidays or special events.
In 2025, it came back in September and switched to Mondays. Robert also co-hosts a podcast, The Rest Is Money, with Steph McGovern, explaining money news simply.
On October 9, 2025, he talked with politician Mel Stride about Tory budget cuts. He also interviewed Kemi Badenoch about media bias and global issues like Gaza—topics also echoed in this report on Gaza’s ongoing conflict.
Like American journalist Pete Hegseth, Robert mixes politics with bold media commentary, making his shows both serious and sharp.
When governments face shutdowns or budget crises, Peston breaks down what it means—much like the recent government shutdown analysis.
His Books
Robert’s not just a news guy; he writes books that make complicated ideas clear. His first book, Brown’s Britain (2005), was about the rivalry between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.
In 2008, Who Runs Britain? looked at how rich people shape the country—perfect for the financial crash.
How Do We Fix This Mess? (2012) tackled fixing the economy, and WTF? (2017) was his bold take on Brexit chaos. People love searching “Robert Peston WTF” because it’s so honest.
He’s also tried fiction. The Whistleblower (2021) is a thriller about a journalist during the 1997 election—sounds like Robert, right? It’s part of his Gil Peck series. The Crash is the follow-up, diving into the money world he knows well.
His newest book, How To Run Britain: Therapy For A Traumatised Nation (September 2024, with Kishan Koria), gives ideas to fix the UK.
Like Jilly Cooper, Robert turns real-life experiences into gripping storytelling that connects politics with people’s lives.
If you search “Robert Peston books” or “Robert Peston How to Run Britain,” you’ll find his seven books, which mix real-world facts with exciting stories.
They’re a hit, especially with 2025 debates about leaders like Badenoch pushing new economic rules.
Family and Tough Times
Robert’s life hasn’t always been easy. He married Siân Busby, a writer, in 1998—they were teenage friends who reconnected after his sister’s car crash.
They had a son, Maximilian, and Robert became stepdad to Siân’s son from another relationship.
Sadly, Siân died of lung cancer in 2012 at age 51. Robert’s been open about how hard that was, even feeling bad when he started dating again. Since 2018, he’s been with journalist Charlotte Edwardes.
He lives in Muswell Hill, north London, and plays in a band called Centrist Dad—singing while Ed Balls plays drums. A cool story: after a 2012 burglary, he asked thieves on air to return Siân’s rings.
Searches like “Robert Peston illness” or “Robert Peston health” popped up around September 19, 2025, but there’s no big news about him being sick; it’s likely tied to his wife’s cancer story.
“Robert Peston Siân Busby” or “Robert Peston cancer” searches often connect to that loss, which he weaves into his books for a personal touch.
As of October 2025, he’s doing fine, still working hard with no major health issues.
Social Media Buzz
Robert’s super active on X, using the handle @peston. He posts quick thoughts on news, like on October 8, 2025, when he called an attack a sign of growing antisemitism in the UK.
Another post praised Poland’s economy as a model, even for Brexit fans. He also used a George Bernard Shaw quote to poke at politicians like Farage without naming them.
His posts get tons of likes—one about stamp duty hit over 238,000 views! That’s why “Robert Peston Twitter” or “Robert Peston X” are hot searches.
He shares updates about his show and podcast, like the October 9 episode on Tory cuts.
He often comments on international matters, from Gaza to the Ukraine–Russia war.
His X feed keeps him connected to fans, especially on big 2025 topics like Badenoch’s economic plans.
Giving Back
Robert does more than news and books—he helps others, too. In 2010, he started Speakers for Schools, a charity that brings businesspeople, politicians, and artists to talk for free at state schools. It helps kids dream big.
He’s also vice president of Hospice UK, which ties to losing Siân.
Public figures like Amal Clooney also use their influence for social good—something Robert deeply values.
Searches for “Robert Peston charity” or “Speakers for Schools” show how much he cares about education and helping people, inspired by his own life.
His legacy is huge: over 30 awards, game-changing news scoops, and books that explain tough stuff. He once called Boris Johnson’s government “more Castro than Castro” and keeps pushing for better ideas.
In 2025, with talks about fixing the economy, he’s still a key voice.
Why He’s Big on Google
Wonder why “Robert Peston” brings up his Wikipedia page first, then ITV’s? Wikipedia has tons of info—over 50 sources, his whole life story, and recent updates.
Its high trust score makes it number one. ITV’s team page is fresh with 2025 news, like Badenoch interviews, and feels official.
His takes on post-Brexit Europe, like Moldova’s pro-EU election in 2025, keep him relevant to international audiences.
Google loves this because Robert’s the real deal—his experience and awards shine. Niche searches like “Robert Peston Crash” face little competition, so he ranks high for “Robert Peston journalist” or news topics.
FAQs
Who is Robert Peston?
Robert Peston is a famous UK journalist and ITV’s political editor. He hosts Peston on Monday or Wednesday nights and co-hosts The Rest Is Money podcast.
Born in 1960 to economist Lord Peston, he’s won over 30 awards for breaking stories like the 2008 bank crash. He’s written seven books and started the charity Speakers for Schools.
What has happened to Robert Peston?
Robert’s doing great in October 2025. He’s on ITV, talking about Tory cuts and interviewing leaders like Kemi Badenoch.
He lost his wife, Siân, to cancer in 2012, but has moved forward with his partner, Charlotte Edwardes. No health issues or big changes—he’s busy with news, books, and X posts.
Where is Robert Peston?
He lives in Muswell Hill, north London, and works at ITV’s studios there.
In October 2025, he’s in the UK, covering politics and filming Peston. He travels for stories but stays based in London, where he also sings in his band Centrist Dad.
Why is Robert Peston not on TV tonight?
Peston airs Mondays or Wednesdays at 10:45 PM on ITV, not every night. On October 10, 2025 (a Friday), there’s no show scheduled; likely the last one was Monday, October 6.
It might skip holidays or news specials. Check ITV’s schedule or @peston on X for the next episode.
How much does Robert Peston earn?
Nobody knows his exact ITV salary—it’s not public. In 2016, he said his pay was a bit higher than his BBC days.
He laughed off rumors of £750,000, saying it’s “nothing like that.” Top ITV hosts might make £300,000–£500,000 now, but Robert says big salaries are hard to justify when people compare them to average wages.
Media fans often ask similar questions about Pete Hegseth’s net worth and other broadcasters, too.
Wrapping Up
Robert Peston’s a news star, from breaking bank stories at the BBC to leading ITV’s Peston.
He writes books like WTF? and The Crash, raises a family, and helps kids through his charity.
As of October 10, 2025, he’s posting on X about taxes and terror, staying in the thick of things.
His story shows how one guy’s curiosity can make a difference. Want more? Grab his books, follow @peston on X, or watch Peston on ITV.
He’s all about facts, heart, and a bit of spark.