BBC political editor race blown wide open

The BBC seem to be having some difficulties filling their top job. Laura Kuenssberg is off as the corporation’s political editor after nearly seven years in the post, prompting a bun fight for the most high-profile job in British broadcasting. Yet it seems many of the would-be candidates have other ideas. First Mr S revealed that the deadline for applicants had been extended by a fortnight. And now he can tell his readers that in doing that the Corporation opened it up to outsiders too, despite the job originally being advertised as an internal appointment only.

The decision to widen the net was likely prompted by a number of BBC stars ruling themselves out of the competition despite a prospective salary north of £250,000. The early front-runner Vicki Young, Kuenssberg’s deputy, was quick to rule herself out. Chris Mason also wasn’t keen. And now the next in-line Jon Sopel — newly available after returning last year from his stint as North America editor — has also pulled out of the race by revealing that he is to quit the BBC to go and work for rival radio giant Global.