Jo Coburn to step down from presenting Politics Live
Jo has been presenting Politics Live – the BBC's daily weekday politics show – since it launched in 2018.
Initially joining the BBC in 1997 as a reporter covering Westminster, Jo has become one of BBC Politics' most senior presenters - covering major domestic and international political events for programmes including the Today programme, the Six and Ten bulletins and the BBC News Channel. During her BBC career she has anchored live coverage of six chancellors' budgets, covered eight general elections and hosted numerous overnight by-election specials.
In July 2011, she started presenting BBC Two's Daily Politics full time with Andrew Neil, before taking on the lead presenter role for Politics Live when it replaced Daily Politics. Jo has been an integral part of the show, delivering a fast-paced and conversational take on the day's political events – serving audiences with political news, interviews, panel guests and sharp analysis.
Jo Coburn says: 'What a privilege to have been in the hot seat of the Daily Politics and then Politics Live covering the tumultuous events of the last decade or so. It's time to move on and hand over to someone else but I've loved it all, especially the people I've worked with and the hundreds of guests who've kept me company in the studio every day.'
Hilary O'Neill, Executive Editor Politics, says: 'Jo has shaped Politics Live into the programme it is today where viewers tune in knowing they'll be expertly guided through the biggest political stories, whilst making them accessible and entertaining. Jo is a forensic interviewer and engaging presenter who draws on her deep knowledge of politics to challenge ministers on the issues that matter most to the public. She will be greatly missed by both the audience and her colleagues.'
Richard Burgess, Director of News Content, said: 'I want to thank Jo for her immense contribution to our coverage, and on a career where she has been at the heart of political journalism for almost 30 years. Millions of viewers have benefited from Jo's incisive interviewing and her ability to host intelligent discussion and debate from across the political spectrum. We wish her all the best for the future.'
Jo will be leaving the BBC at the end of May. A new presenter will be announced in due course.
MT
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Spectator
23 minutes ago
- Spectator
The Welfare Bill is too little, too late
How much of the government's Welfare Reform Bill will survive the mauling of backbench Labour MPs? If this bill even achieves £5 billion worth of savings by the time it becomes law, it will be something of a miracle. Once again, Rachel Reeves' claim to be an 'Iron Chancellor' is about to be tested. No-one should be surprised if she folds. This week, the wobbling began. In her post-spending review interview with the Today programme, Reeves initially said that she would not be reviewing the proposed changes to the criteria for claiming Personal Independence Payments (Pips), which are supposed to mean that hundreds of thousands of people are no longer eligible. Then she hinted that she would be listening to objections from within her party.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC ends beloved sitcom with 'perfect' Rotten Tomatoes score
The BBC has announced a popular sitcom with a perfect rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes is coming to an end after three series, despite its rave reviews from viewers The BBC has revealed the end is in sight for one of its most popular sitcoms in a blow that is sure to devastate fans. With a perfect 100 per cent on review site Rotten Tomatoes, the decision to bring the sitcom to a close will shock its loyal viewers. However, there is still to be one final series of the show to give fans their fix. Boarders follows five black teens from inner-city London who are on scholarships to a prestigious boarding school. It has gained a large following since the first series aired in February last year. A second season quickly followed, hitting the screens earlier this year. However, despite the excitement of a third series being announced, fans will be disappointed to hear it will be three and out for the show. Series three will air in 2026, with six episodes anticipated. All of the show's main characters, played by Jodie Campbell, Sekou Diaby, Aruna Jalloh, Myles Kamwendo and Josh Tedeku, will return for the final instalments. The new episodes will see the students gear up for their final term at St Gilbert's. They will take on the pressures of exams while also stress about their futures. However, there will be inter-school rivalries too following the move of their friend and former classmate. Series two saw the group's biggest foe turn out to be their new headteacher. With acting headmistress Carol Watlington-Geese (Niky Wardley) hot on their heels, the group had to navigate their school life. Following series one, big things were predicted for the cast members. The Guardian claimed: "This private school satire is absolutely packed with future megastars." And the high praise flowed in online too, with high ratings across review sites, including a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Writer and creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor is set to reprise his role as the group's mentor, Gus. He will also make his directorial debut in the final episodes. Speaking after series three was announced, Daniel said: "Boarders has been a deeply personal project for me and it's been incredible to see how audiences have connected with the characters. "From day one, I wanted to create something funny, honest, and proudly Black – and in this final term, I hope to finish their story as they face their final year with greater challenges, deeper friendships and the looming question of life beyond school." Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: "Boarders has been a fun, sharp and timely addition to our screens since its launch two years ago, with star-making turns from its exceptional young cast."
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Heston Blumenthal opens up about mental health crisis
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has detailed the events leading up to his being sectioned in November 2023. He started exhibiting manic behaviour, including talking rapidly for hours, an obsession with scientific theories, sleep deprivation, and hallucinations, he said. After Blumenthal showed his wife a drawing of a gun he had hallucinated, she contacted authorities, leading to police and firefighters arriving at their home to take him to the hospital. Blumenthal was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital, followed by six weeks of psychiatric sessions. His documentary about his mental illness, Heston: My Life with Bipolar, will air on BBC Two on 19 June.
