Steph Spyro – The Dynamic Voice of Environmental and Political Journalism in the UK
Who is Steph Spyro?
In the ever-evolving world of British journalism, Steph Spyro stands out as a fearless, articulate, and visionary journalist who bridges the gap between politics and environmental reporting. Currently serving as the Deputy Political Editor and Environment Editor at the Daily Express, she has become one of the most influential young voices shaping public discourse around sustainability, governance, and ethical responsibility. At just 27 years old, Steph’s rise in the media industry reflects her determination, talent, and commitment to impactful storytelling.
Her dual roles allow her to explore the intersection of government policy, environmental conservation, and human stories — areas increasingly intertwined in today’s socio-political landscape. Whether reporting from Westminster or covering international ecological crises, Steph Spyro represents the modern journalist — analytical, compassionate, and relentlessly curious.
Early Life and Education of Steph Spyro
Inspiration from South Africa
Steph Spyro’s journey into journalism began in South Africa, where she spent part of her formative years. While still in school, she attended a protest linked to the Fees Must Fall movement, a student-led campaign that aimed to stop university fee hikes and promote accessible education. The experience, which she first approached as part of a high school art project, transformed her career aspirations. The passion and determination of the protestors inspired her to tell stories that matter — stories that drive change.
That single event ignited her lifelong commitment to truth-telling and social justice, guiding her towards the field of journalism.
Academic Foundation
Motivated by her newfound calling, Steph Spyro moved to the United Kingdom to study journalism at Kingston University in London. Her academic journey equipped her with essential reporting skills, strong ethical foundations, and a critical understanding of global communication. Despite the pandemic cutting short her final year in 2020, she transitioned immediately into professional journalism, joining the Daily Express the very next day — a testament to her drive and resilience.
Career Journey: From News Reporter to Deputy Political Editor
Early Years at the Daily Express
Steph began her professional career in December 2019 as a News Reporter at the Daily Express. Her early assignments demanded quick thinking, adaptability, and accuracy under pressure. She mastered the art of transforming raw information into engaging, reader-friendly news stories, often working to tight deadlines.
Her work quickly gained recognition for being both concise and insightful, establishing her reputation within the newsroom as a dependable and ambitious journalist.
Rise Through the Ranks
Over the following years, Steph’s career advanced rapidly. In March 2022, she became the Environment Editor, expanding her portfolio to cover critical global and UK environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, wildlife protection, and renewable energy. Her engaging storytelling helped bring environmental debates into mainstream readership.
By November 2022, she was promoted again to Senior Political Correspondent, focusing on the political developments shaping the UK’s environmental and social landscape. In January 2025, Steph reached another milestone — becoming Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Express, while continuing to oversee environmental reporting. This dual appointment reflects her expertise in connecting the dots between political policy and environmental impact.
Steph Spyro’s Signature Reporting Style
Merging Politics and Environment
Steph Spyro’s strength lies in her ability to blend political insight with environmental advocacy. She writes with precision and empathy, presenting complex issues in a way that resonates with a wide audience. Her coverage of climate policy, energy reforms, wildlife protection, and government accountability demonstrates her deep understanding of how these areas intersect.
In her own words, she enjoys “covering both politics and the environment — two beats that are increasingly overlapping.” This intersectional approach defines her as a journalist capable of tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Investigative Excellence
Steph has produced several investigative features that highlight her courage and commitment to fieldwork. One of her most notable pieces involved travelling to the Faroe Islands to report on the controversial whaling practice known as the grindadrap. The investigation was not only impactful but also earned her a nomination for Best Online Video at the British Journalism Awards 2023.
Her work has shed light on animal welfare, environmental degradation, and ethical governance — subjects that require both sensitivity and bravery.
Awards and Recognition
Steph Spyro’s impressive achievements have earned her multiple industry honours:
-
Environment Journalist of the Year (2025 nominee) – Press Awards
-
Best Online Video nominee (2023) – British Journalism Awards
-
“30 Young Journalists to Watch” (2022) – MHP Mischief Awards
These accolades underline her growing influence within British journalism. Her ability to deliver clear, balanced, and human-centred stories sets her apart from many of her peers.
The Person Behind the Reporter
Family and Personal Inspiration
Steph’s compassion and determination are deeply rooted in her personal experiences. She has spoken about her quadriplegic sister, who has always inspired her to live with purpose and resilience. This family connection shapes her empathetic approach to reporting — focusing on real people and their lived experiences.
She has also mentioned her parents, sister, and grandmother, who live abroad, likely in South Africa, as her emotional anchors. Her Instagram posts reveal a warm and grounded personality, often expressing gratitude towards her family and colleagues.
Her mother, Mandy Banfield, has even appeared in her posts, showing the supportive role her family continues to play in her journey.
Cultural Heritage
Proud of her Greek 🇬🇷 and South African 🇿🇦 roots, Steph embodies multicultural awareness in her reporting. Her international upbringing allows her to approach stories with a broad worldview — combining local precision with global empathy.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
Beyond her newsroom duties, Steph Spyro is known for her public outreach. She manages the “Off the Record” newsletter, where she offers insights and advice to PR and communications professionals.
Her social media platforms, particularly Instagram (@spyingonsteph) and X (@StephSpyro), showcase not just her reporting but also her activism. She frequently supports campaigns against animal cruelty, such as her “Free the 15” penguin campaign and investigations into songbird slaughter.
Her passion for environmental education has also led her to speak at Oxford University, engaging with students about sustainability and the importance of green journalism.
Steph Spyro’s Philosophy and Vision
Steph often shares her professional ethos online, emphasising mentorship, curiosity, and integrity. In a recent LinkedIn post marking her 27th birthday, she reflected on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and paying kindness forward. She actively encourages early-career journalists to reach out for guidance, proving her dedication to helping the next generation thrive.
Her guiding principle — “Never say no to an assignment or opportunity, even if you don’t know how to do it. Say yes, then go find out” — captures her fearless and proactive approach to journalism.
Conclusion: A Rising Force in Modern British Journalism
Steph Spyro represents the new generation of journalists redefining the media landscape. Through her insightful coverage, ethical reporting, and empathetic storytelling, she continues to influence how readers perceive politics and the environment.
At just 27, her journey from a South African school protest to the halls of Westminster is an inspiring testament to ambition and integrity. Whether writing about policy reforms, climate change, or wildlife protection, Steph Spyro remains steadfast in her mission: to inform, inspire, and ignite positive change.
FAQs
1. Who is Steph Spyro?
Steph Spyro is a British journalist currently serving as the Deputy Political Editor and Environment Editor at the Daily Express. She covers both political and environmental stories, connecting government policy with climate action and sustainability issues.
2. How old is Steph Spyro?
As of 2025, Steph Spyro is 27 years old. She shared this in a recent LinkedIn post celebrating her birthday, reflecting on her professional journey and the importance of mentorship in journalism.
3. Who are Steph Spyro’s parents?
Steph Spyro has not publicly shared full details about her parents, but she has mentioned her mother, Mandy Banfield, in social media posts. Her family — parents, sister, and grandmother — live abroad, likely in South Africa, according to her Newsworks interview.
4. What is Steph Spyro’s role at the Daily Express?
She works for the Daily Express, published by Reach plc, as Deputy Political Editor and Environment Editor. Her work focuses on environmental investigations, wildlife protection, and UK political developments related to sustainability.
5. What makes Steph Spyro notable in journalism?
Steph Spyro is recognised for her investigative reporting, particularly her Faroe Islands whaling exposé and contributions to environmental campaigns. She has been nominated for Environment Journalist of the Year (2025) and previously listed among Britain’s 30 Young Journalists to Watch (2022).
