Laura Kuenssberg has been the BBC’s political editor since July 2015, but she is expected to leave down, according to sources.
She is said to be joining Radio 4’s Today show, as part of a rumoured BBC restructuring of top on-air personnel.
The 45-year-old journalist was rumoured to be negotiating her departure from her six-year post as part of a significant restructuring of the BBC’s on-air personnel in October, which she has now confirmed.
Is Laura Kuenssberg Leaving BBC?
Laura Kuenssberg, the BBC’s political editor, is stepping down after seven years on the job, according to the BBC. In 2015, Kuenssberg succeeded Nick Robinson as the first female to hold the position.
She described her tenure in the chair as “amazing” because of the “massive transformation” in British politics.
The BBC stated that the presenter would stay in his position until Easter, after which he will take on a variety of other responsibilities. During her term as political editor, Kuenssberg covered the Brexit vote and two general elections.
The journalist stated in a statement that she “couldn’t be more thrilled” to take over as presenter of the show, which Andrew Marr had held for 16 years before resigning last year.
Following Marr’s resignation, Sophie Raworth had stepped in to host an interim show until a permanent successor could be found.
“For decades, Sunday morning has been a time to reflect on the events that form us and to question and listen to our elected officials,” Kuenssberg added. “It’s an honour to preside over that discussion in the 2020s.”
Where Is Laura Kuenssberg Going To Work?
Laura Kuenssberg said she’ll work on “a variety of news and current affairs initiatives across TV, radio, and online,” with more specifics to come next year.
The 45-year-old worked as the BBC’s main political correspondent before taking on the role of political editor.
She has also worked for ITV News and BBC Two’s Newsnight in top positions.
Kuenssberg’s retirement comes at a difficult moment for the broadcaster, which is facing significant political and financial pressures from the government.
One of the first major decisions made by the BBC’s incoming director of news will be to choose a new political editor. With interviews finished in recent weeks, an announcement on who would occupy that job is likely soon.
Vicki Young, the deputy political editor, Jon Sopel, the returning North America editor, and Faisal Islam, the economics editor, who formerly covered politics for Sky News, are all possible internal contenders to succeed Kuenssberg.