Kirsty Wark has announced that she is to step down as a lead presenter on Newsnight after 30 years.
The veteran journalist, 68, has been working on the current affairs show since 1993 but has decided that she will bow out after the next UK general election - due to be held by January 2025 at the latest.
"It is an enormous privilege to be involved in such a rigorous, creative programme with a wonderful, talented, bunch of colleagues – actually many bunches over the years, led, most recently by Esme Wren followed by Stewart Maclean," she said in a statement.
"There's not a day when I don't look forward to coming to the office, and every day I learn something from the team about all manner of things, from aspects of American foreign policy to how to make a great mojito.
"Last year I spoke to both to the Director-General Tim Davie and to Stewart and signalled my desire to end my three decade run on the show after the next election, and that's the plan.
"When the time comes it will be a massive wrench. However, I'll be leaving Newsnight but not the BBC. I'll still be presenting The Reunion and Start the Week on Radio 4, TV documentaries too as well as finishing, finally, my third novel. There are exciting times ahead."
Davie added: "Generations of Newsnight viewers have benefitted from Kirsty's authority, her razor-sharp insight and her journalistic flair. She sets the standard for engaging yet authoritative presenting. I speak on behalf of the whole BBC when I thank her for the past 30 years.
"I'm delighted the BBC is not losing Kirsty altogether when she steps back from Newsnight and look forward to seeing and hearing her beyond the busy political year ahead."
Wark currently rotates hosting duties on the show with Victoria Derbyshire and Faisal Islam. body check tags ::
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