A string of names is linked to Laura Kuenssberg’s BBC political editor role – Vicki Young as her deputy and Jon Sopel, the BBC North American editor










It is seen as the most high-profile reporting job in British broadcasting – and accordingly there is no shortage of candidates to be the BBC’s next political editor.

Jon Sopel, the BBC North America editor, is the favorite to succeed Laura Kuenssberg.

BBC insiders are also predicting Vicki Young (50), as her deputy, and Amol Rajan (38), as the likely candidate.

Meanwhile Miss Kuenssberg, 45, is expected to become a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme.

Yesterday’s intense speculation was about who will get her job.

Miss Kuenssberg, 45, is expected to become a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme

Miss Kuenssberg, 45, is expected to become a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme

Last night’s role was awash with names like Sky News political editor Beth Rigby (45), BBC political correspondent Chris Mason (41), Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis (51), BBC economics editor Faisal Islamic (44) and BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale (52).

But is understood that ITV’s political editor Robert Peston, 61, is not interested in replacing Miss Kuenssberg.

It emerged on Thursday that Miss Kuenssberg, who has been in the role for six years, is in discussions with bosses about becoming a presenter on Radio 4’s flagship news show Today. The move is reportedly part of a reshuffle planned for the BBC’s on-air team.

It is believed that talks have not been concluded and that no agreement has been reached on the timing of any switch.

Among many names linked with the role last night were (from top left to top right) BBC North America editor Jon Sopel,  Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, and  BBC's Scotland Editor Sarah Smith. They also include (from bottom left to bottom right) BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, prolific presenter Amol Rajan and Laura Kuenssberg's deputy Vicki Young

Among many names linked with the role last night were (from top left to top right) BBC North America editor Jon Sopel,  Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, and  BBC’s Scotland Editor Sarah Smith. They also include (from bottom left to bottom right) BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale, prolific presenter Amol Rajan and Laura Kuenssberg’s deputy Vicki Young

Many consider Mr. Sopel (62), the favorite to fill the role. This week, he announced that he would be returning to the UK from seven years in Washington as his post was based. One news insider said he had been ‘interestingly coy’ about what he was doing next.

There is speculation that Mr Sopel will be replaced in the US by the BBC’s Scotland editor, Sarah Smith, 52.

But she has also been linked with Miss Kuenssberg’s role and Ladbrokes gave her odds of 10/1.

Bookmakers have made Mr Sopel their favourite – he was given odds of 7/2.

Miss Young is the second favorite with odds of 4/1, while Mr Rajan is third at 6-1/1.

Miss Rigby, who was removed from the air for three month in December because she attended a rule-breaking event during lockdown, was given odds 12/1 by Ladbrokes.

The odds of Mr Landale winning were 8/1 according to the bookie.

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