Kuenssberg was the first female Political Editor at BBC News
(Picture: Getty Images)Laura Kuenssberg has stepped down as political editor at BBC News.
After seven years, the journalist will leave the role next Easter and move over to a senior presenting and reporting role at the BBC.
In a Twitter post, she revealed: “After nearly 7 years, in April I’m moving on from best daily reporting job + the most wonderful team in the business.
“It’s been an honour and an amazing ride - more to come in 2022!
“With love + thanks to all at @BBCPolitics.”
Kuenssberg, who marked the first female political editor at BBC News after succeeding Nick Robinson in July 2015, has since been inundated with praise for her “incredible run” and “inspiration” for many.
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Thanks for being so supportive and for showing there is a way to nail the biggest job and still be kind. Best of luck with whatever exciting thing comes next!x
— Kate McCann (@KateEMcCann) December 20, 2021
What an amazing 7 years - breaking boundaries for women in journalism! Massive good luck x
— Anushka Asthana (@AnushkaAsthana) December 20, 2021
Honestly one of the best political reporters, whatever the left and right say.
— Arman Gevorgyan (@Arman_GBR) December 20, 2021
You've smashed it. Best in the business x
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) December 20, 2021
Laura - as they say where I’ve been living all the time you’ve been pol ed: you smashed it out of the park. What an astonishing run you’ve had x
— Jon Sopel (@BBCJonSopel) December 20, 2021
Congratulations on an amazing stint, you’ll be very much missed
— Henry Zeffman (@hzeffman) December 20, 2021
going out on a high, congratulations after a stunning run in one of the most stressful jobs in journalism, you’ve been an absolute pro
— Jim Pickard (@PickardJE) December 20, 2021
Congratulations on an incredible run! I am still agog at your stamina and how you ran on such little sleep (goes for Jess and @PaulTwinn too!!) - it was an inspiration to see when I was at Millbank. Excited to see what comes next!
— Julia Macfarlane 🏴🇮🇩 (@juliamacfarlane) December 20, 2021
Thanks for being so warm and welcoming to me and so many others, Laura, while doing the busiest and most important job in political journalism. You've been a trailblazer. I hope after seven years you can have a nap...
— Ailbhe Rea (@PronouncedAlva) December 20, 2021
In an official statement, Kuenssberg said she has been “so lucky to do the best daily reporting job in the business with the best colleagues anyone could wish for.”
She added: “It’s been incredible to occupy the chair during a time of such huge change and to try to make sense of it for our viewers, listeners and readers online.
“I’ll miss the daily drama, and our wonderful team in Westminster, immensely. But after nearly seven years and what feels like decades’ worth of headlines, it’s time for the next move.”
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said of her decision to step down: “Laura has been an outstanding BBC political editor throughout the most turbulent political times in living memory. Her incisive commentary, tough questioning and astute insight have guided our audiences through the last seven years.
“She’s a superb interviewer and engaging presenter, and I’m thrilled that we are keeping her on our screens and airwaves. I’m looking forward to her next chapter.”
