Leigh Boobyer: An Award-Winning Journalist Making Headlines Across the UK
In the dynamic world of British journalism, Leigh Boobyer stands out as a dedicated, multi-award-winning journalist whose career spans high-profile newsrooms, investigative reporting, and leadership roles. With a reputation for fearless reporting, a commitment to public interest stories, and a track record of national recognition, Boobyer has built a name synonymous with integrity and impact in the media landscape.
Early Career and Education
Education and Foundation in Journalism
Leigh Boobyer’s journey into journalism began with a strong academic foundation. He studied at Kingston University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism with Upper Class Honours between 2013 and 2016. During this time, he contributed extensively to The River Newspaper, the university’s publication, serving both as Sports Editor and News Reporter. His work here involved live match reporting, feature writing, and managing online publication, giving him a solid grounding in multi-platform journalism.
He further honed his skills at the Press Association, earning an NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism in 2016–2017. His training included 100 words per minute shorthand, high grades in ethics and portfolio work, and comprehensive knowledge in public affairs and media law. These qualifications cemented his professional credibility and prepared him for the fast-paced demands of the newsroom.
Professional Journey
BBC News
In March 2024, Leigh Boobyer joined BBC News as a Multimedia Journalist, based in the Greater Bristol Area. His role involves producing stories for television, radio, online, and social media platforms, focusing on issues and events across the West Country. Boobyer is known for crafting compelling narratives that engage wide audiences, often producing three to four impactful stories daily. His BBC work continues a legacy of producing news that is politically neutral, well-researched, and relevant to local communities.
Before taking on this full-time role, Boobyer worked as a freelance journalist for the BBC from November 2023 to March 2024. This period allowed him to demonstrate his adaptability and ability to deliver high-quality stories independently.
Reach plc – Local Democracy Reporting and Editorial Leadership
From August 2021 to July 2023, Boobyer served as the Local Democracy Content Editor (South East) for Reach plc. In this position, he led a team of seven Local Democracy Reporters (LDRs), overseeing political coverage in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Essex, and Northamptonshire. Under his leadership, the team won prestigious awards including Story of the Year, FOI of the Year, and Best New LDR.
His time at Reach built on his earlier success as a Senior Local Democracy Reporter for Gloucestershire Live, where he was BBC-funded from February 2020 to March 2021. He acted as an FOI champion, spearheading Freedom of Information projects and mentoring junior reporters. Boobyer’s work often involved cross-newsroom investigations, data-driven stories, and holding public bodies accountable.
From March 2018 to March 2021, as a Local Democracy Reporter for Gloucestershire Live, Boobyer won six awards in just two years, including Local Democracy Reporter of the Year, Story of the Year, and Coronavirus Story of the Year. His stories scrutinised local government decisions, spending, and public accountability, earning him a reputation for thorough and fearless reporting.
Bite Back 2030 – Communications Leadership
In 2021, Boobyer briefly stepped into the role of Communications Manager at Bite Back 2030, a youth-led movement campaigning for a healthier food system. This role saw him apply his communication skills to advocacy and public engagement, further diversifying his professional portfolio.
Gloucestershire Live – Investigative Excellence
During his years at Gloucestershire Live, Boobyer made headlines for his investigations and exclusive stories. His in-depth work on FOI requests exposed issues ranging from council data breaches to questionable spending practices. These stories resonated nationally, including one exclusive that prompted questioning of the Foreign Secretary on national television.
Previous Newsroom Roles
Before his local democracy work, Boobyer gained valuable experience in national media. From July 2016 to February 2018, he worked as a journalist for the Daily Express, producing six stories daily and consistently delivering exclusives. His work at Insurance Times as a Digital Reporter and his contributions to The Independent and The Daily Telegraph further established his versatility.
Licences and Certifications
Leigh Boobyer holds the NCTJ Level 3 Diploma in Journalism from the Press Association, a credential respected across the UK media industry. His shorthand proficiency, combined with strong ethics and legal knowledge, reinforces his ability to report with accuracy and fairness.
Honours and Awards
BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service Awards
Boobyer’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, particularly from the BBC’s Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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Coronavirus Story of the Year (2020) – Recognised for in-depth coverage during the pandemic.
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Highly Commended Story of the Year (2020) – Awarded for excellence in local democracy reporting.
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Highly Commended Reporter of the Year (2020) – Reflecting his consistent quality of journalism.
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Highly Commended Use of FOI (2019) – For a six-month investigation into alleged misconduct within Gloucestershire Constabulary.
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Local Democracy Reporter of the Year (2019) – Celebrating his role in holding public officials accountable.
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Scoop of the Year (2019) – Also for the Gloucestershire Constabulary misconduct investigation.
These awards highlight not just his journalistic skill but also his determination to pursue stories that matter, even when they require extensive research and persistence.
Impact and Approach to Journalism
Investigative Strengths
Boobyer’s hallmark is his investigative approach. He excels at using FOI requests, cultivating sources, and piecing together complex information to uncover the truth. His work consistently balances in-depth analysis with accessibility, making important issues understandable to the general public.
Leadership and Mentorship
In editorial leadership roles, particularly at Reach plc, Boobyer has shown a commitment to developing other journalists. His mentorship of LDRs and encouragement of award-winning journalism demonstrate his belief in raising industry standards across the board.
Multi-Platform Storytelling
From print to broadcast, and from long-form investigations to quick-turn digital updates, Boobyer adapts his storytelling to suit the medium. This versatility makes him an asset in modern newsrooms where audiences consume content across multiple channels.
Conclusion
Leigh Boobyer is more than just an award-winning journalist; he is a dedicated public servant in the truest sense of journalism. Through his investigative tenacity, editorial leadership, and consistent delivery of impactful stories, he has influenced local and national conversations. His career—spanning BBC News, Reach plc, Bite Back 2030, and Gloucestershire Live—demonstrates a breadth of experience that few in the industry can match.
From holding councils accountable to shaping the next generation of reporters, Boobyer’s work embodies the principles of transparency, accuracy, and service to the public. In an era where trust in the media is constantly tested, journalists like Leigh Boobyer remind us why quality reporting matters.
If his track record is any indication, the future of his career promises even more stories that inform, inspire, and hold power to account.
