JO COBURN TO LEAVE BBC, STEPS DOWN AS PRESENTER OF POLITICS LIVE

Jo Coburn has announced she is stepping down as presenter of BBC's 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.