Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn to leave the BBC after 28 years

Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn is set to depart the BBC after 28 years.

Jo has been at the helm of Politics Live, the corporation’s daily politics programme, since its debut in 2018.

Jo Coburn said:

“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.”

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 of its successor, Politics Live. The show offers a fast-paced and conversational take on the day’s political events – serving audiences with political news, interviews, panel guests and sharp analysis.

Hilary O’Neill, Executive Editor Politics, said:

“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.”

Politics Live, Monday to Thursday on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer