Jo Coburn QUITS BBC Politics Live as she releases statement announcing exit from broadcaster after 28 years
Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn is set to leave the BBC after 28 years at the broadcaster.
The veteran journalist will step down from her role at the end of May.
Coburn has been at the helm of the BBC’s daily weekday politics show since it launched in 2018.
She joined the BBC in 1997 as a reporter covering Westminster and has since become one of the corporation’s most senior political presenters.
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A new presenter for Politics Live will be announced in due course.
Coburn previously presented BBC Two’s Daily Politics with Andrew Neil before taking on the lead presenter role when Politics Live replaced the show.
During her BBC career, Coburn has covered major domestic and international political events for a range of programmes.
She has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Six and Ten bulletins and the BBC News Channel.
Her political expertise has seen her anchor live coverage of six chancellors’ budgets throughout her time at the broadcaster. Coburn has also covered eight general elections.
Coburn has been an integral part of Politics Live, delivering fast-paced and conversational takes on the day’s political events.
Speaking about her departure, 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.”
Jo Coburn to step down from presenting Politics Livehttps://t.co/DHLKSBAa88
— BBC News Press Team (@BBCNewsPR) March 20, 2025
Hilary O’Neill, executive editor of politics at the BBC, praised Coburn as “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,” O’Neill added.
O’Neill further highlighted how Coburn “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.”
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,” Burgess added.
“We wish her all the best for the future.”
Coburn’s departure marks the end of an era for BBC political broadcasting, where she has been a familiar face to viewers for nearly three decades.
Her tenure has spanned numerous prime ministers and significant political events including Brexit and multiple general elections.