Smith’s previous role was as the broadcaster’s first-ever Scotland editor, a position she has held since rejoining the company in 2014.

Prior to this, she was based in the US working for Channel 4 and helped cover big American news stories such as the 2008 presidential election and the global financial crash.

Smith is also a regular host on BBC programmes including the Today programme and Newsnight.  She began her journalistic career as a trainee at BBC Scotland at Queen Margaret Drive.

Her father was former Labour leader John Smith, who served as party leader from July 1992 until his death from a heart attack in May 1994.

Sarah Smith said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as the BBC’s North America Editor.  This is such a fascinating time in US politics and society, and I am very excited to be reporting these stories for our BBC audience.

“I am looking forward to covering as much of the country as possible and to delving into the issues and controversies that define America as the nation also faces new challenges abroad.”

Smith will take up the post, based in Washington DC, early in the New Year, to replace Sopel.

Delighted for you @BBCsarahsmith – you will have a ball. I have loved my seven years here. It has to be one of the best jobs in the BBC https://t.co/ZFIZJrwWp2

— Jon Sopel (@BBCJonSopel) November, 2021

Sopel tweeted: “Delighted for you @BBCsarahsmith – you will have a ball – “I have loved my seven years here. It has to be one of the best jobs in the BBC.”

BBC News’ deputy director, Jonathan Munro, said: “Sarah is a world-class journalist who will bring huge experience to this important role.  She built her career in the US and is a close follower of American politics and society.  Sarah is an expert at relating complex issues to audiences and we look forward to seeing her reports from across the Atlantic.”