Runners and riders: 10 Downing Street’s new press conference host

Update: It has been reported that the former BBC and ITV journalist Allegra Stratton will be Downing Street’s new press conference host.

This morning, Boris Johnson confirmed on LBC that the government is planning to introduce daily televised press briefings not too dissimilar to White House press conferences. Replacing the off-camera afternoon lobby briefing, the conferences aim to build on the success of the daily coronavirus briefings, which Johnson said showed that ‘people want direct engagement and want stuff from us’. 

With an area in No. 9 Downing Street to be converted for the new set-up, No. 10 is now on the hunt for an experienced broadcaster to host the daily press conference and be the government’s voice on a daily basis. This individual will quickly become a household name – if not already. While some in No. 10 are keen for a woman to take on the role, there will be an application process open to all.

So, which candidates have what it takes to be the British version of the West Wing’s C.