Laura Webster is the editor of The National – and as the UK’s youngest national newspaper editor, she has delivered on the values celebrated by 30 Under 30 in her work and through those she platforms. 

A clear example of using her position to help those in need is The National’s fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians. Through this charity drive, which Laura came up with and delivered with her team in 2024 and 2025, more than £180,000 was raised from readers to help those in need in Gaza. Laura secured the support of every political party at the Scottish Parliament for this fundraiser.  

On that same issue, Laura’s keen news sense and eye for what works across print and online has been apparent. A striking front page with a timeline of one year of the bombardment of Gaza attracted global attention, with millions of views, while her take on Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland may well be the most viewed Scottish newspaper front page in history. 

Laura is a champion for women in the media industry. This is reflected in her role as a mentor for the Pass The Mic scheme, supporting women of colour by providing a platform and training. It is reflected in her team. Building on the publication of an edition of the newspaper staffed entirely by women, key members of her staff now include Jane Cassidy as assistant editor, political reporters Steph Brawn and Abbi Garton-Crosbie, and columnists such as Assa Samaké-Roman, Rhoda Meek and Ellie Gomersall. 

For those on the rise, Laura’s passion for helping others develop is seen in her commitment to attending workshops and giving guest sessions speaking to students across Scotland. 

But as well as all the pressures of workload and expectation as a national newspaper editor, Laura demonstrates huge amounts of resilience in her refusal to be silenced by abuse online. Working in the media industry, and for a newspaper which takes political stances, is a magnet for toxic, polarised comments (even when – as described – uniting people across the aisle for good causes).