Trevor Phillips takes over Sky News’ Sunday politics slot

Trevor Phillips has been appointed the new permanent host of Sky News’ flagship Sunday political talk show when it returns in September after the summer recess.

Trevor Phillips:

“It’s a great privilege to follow Sophy and to be taking this seat at such at an exciting time for politics. With major elections in sight [both at home and abroad] I look forward to working alongside the brilliant Sky team as we report on the key issues and interrogate the people who have to make the big decisions.”

The programme is known for its agenda-setting interviews that generate headlines, and for bringing a fresh perspective to the morning political beat. Phillips takes on the successful slot from Sophy Ridge, who presents her final show today before moving on to front a news Sky News primetime weeknight show The Politics Hub, after six years of Sophy Ridge on Sunday.

With a general election looming, Phillips will use his forensic interview technique to challenge politicians, offering the audience insight and perspective on the parties, their policies and the direction of travel of public support.

Phillips has previously presented the Sunday show, covering for Sophy Ridge’s maternity leave in 2021, and was met with much praise for his hosting style by viewers. A former head of current affairs at ITV station LWT, Phillips won Royal Television Society journalism awards in 1988 and 1993, before landing the RTS documentary series award for Windrush in 1998.

Phillips recently fronted Windrush and Us, a Sky News documentary exploring the experiences of younger generations of Windrush descendants that asked what the future of black Britain will look like. In 2020, he was shortlisted in the British Journalism Awards for Comment Writer of the Year.

The founding chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Phillips previously chaired the Commission for Racial Equality, and was the elected chair of the London Assembly.

David Rhodes, Executive Chairman, Sky News:

“We’re delighted Trevor Phillips will be leading the political conversation each Sunday morning. Trevor’s experience, intellect, and professionalism are just what’s required in the critical cycle ahead. With Beth Rigby, Sam Coates, Sophy Ridge, and our whole Political Hub team, audiences will find the most engaging coverage of politics anywhere.”

Sky News is available to watch on Sky News TV channel (Freeview channel 233, Sky 501, Virgin 603, BT 313), the Sky News YouTube channel and across the Sky News website, App and social media channels.