Sky News presenter QUITS TV after 14 years as they announce huge career change and admit 'it's not a decision I've taken lightly'
A Sky News presenter has quit TV after 14 years in journalism for a huge career change, admitting 'it's not a decision I've taken lightly'.
The channel's Home and Political Correspondent Matthew Thompson has announced he is set to leave, after three years in the job, in just a matter of weeks.
Not only that, the former LBC and BBC Newsnight presenter said his departure will see him exit both the field of journalism entirely - and England.
He posted on X yesterday: 'Some personal news. In a couple of weeks, I am leaving Sky News. And indeed, leaving London and journalism altogether.
'It's not a decision I've taken lightly but it's one that's best for me and my family.
'I'll be moving to Edinburgh and into the world of finance.'
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He continued, explaining to his more than 23,000 followers: 'I won't subject you all to a self-indulgent run through of my career highlights.
'But suffice to say it has been the privilege of my life to spend these last 12 years or so as a journalist. To work with some of the best in the business, and to talk to all of you.
'Thank you to all the people who made it possible, and to all the people who let me tell their stories along the way.
'I've always tried to make it about you, rather than me. I hope I managed that, and that I did the privilege justice. As for next steps… I can say more soon.
'I hope this isn't goodbye. It may be possible to keep some level of engagement on here in my new gig.
'For now, thank you. I've learned so much from reading and speaking with you all over the years. It's made me a better journalist, and a better person. I'll miss it terribly.'
He received a raft of sympathetic responses to his post, from people sad to see him go and praising his career with Sky since he joined in June 2022.
Fellow Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee said: 'Good luck! We'll miss you.'
The post read: 'Some personal news. In a couple of weeks, I am leaving Sky News. And indeed, leaving London and journalism altogether'
He received a raft of sympathetic responses to his post, from people sad to see him go and praising his career with Sky since he joined in June 2022
One viewer added: 'Thank you for your work Matthew. I've followed your career and appreciated your professionalism.'
Another recalled the impact Matthew's coverage of the trial of Wayne Couzens had on them.
The serving Metropolitan Police officer abducted, raped and murdered Sarah Everard in London in March 2021 as she walked home from a friend's house.
The 48-year-old, who joined the police in 2002, was sentenced to life in jail in September of the same year for his crimes against the 33-year-old marketing executive.
The commenter told Matthew: 'Never forgot your coverage of the Sarah Everard trial. It was probably one of the most fantastic pieces of journalism I've listened to.
'A horrific story covered with pure professionalism, tinged with the emotion many of us felt.'
It comes after another Sky News presenter quit just two months ago, after seven years on screen, issuing a statement about the 'tough decision' to devastated fans.
Broadcaster Sally Lockwood first joined the channel in 2017 but decided to step down from her role earlier this year.
She announced her career move on social media and revealed she would be 'relocating to the Middle East'.
In a post on Instagram, Sally wrote: 'Some personal news. It's been a very tough decision after seven very happy years.
'I'll be relocating to the Middle East with my family and launching a new venture in journalism, in partnership with political powerhouse
'You'll still see me on TV, but our new show will be online. Details to follow!
'Thank you to the talented team at Sky for everything they've taught me and for all the unforgettable memories.
'It's such a lucky job being trusted to tell people's stories and to witness history firsthand. To do it with people you call friends, is an utter privilege.
'Stay in touch and click on the link in my bio to subscribe to our new show - coming soon!'
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