Maitlis heads all-female team on Newsnight

NEWSNIGHT is to have an all-female line-up for the first time, with Emily Maitlis promoted to lead presenter.

Emma Barnett, the BBC Radio 5 Live host, will join the BBC Two current affairs programme with Maitlis and the long-serving Kirsty Wark.

The line-up has been reshuffled following the departure in the autumn of Evan Davis, who moved to Radio 4’s PM programme.

Esme Wren, Newsnight editor, said: “This is a tremendous presenter lineup that sends out a clear signal about the programme’s growing ambition. All three presenters bring substantial political clout and a wealth of expertise across a broad range of subjects.

“Emily’s promotion to lead presenter is testament to the journalistic excellence, passion and tenacious interview style that saw her recognised as Network Presenter of the Year at the recent RTS Television Journalism Awards.

“Kirsty, also an award-winning journalist and presenter, will continue to bring her great authority and forensic skills to an increased number of shows, and to drive the programme’s commitment to the arts and culture.

“And we’re also thrilled to welcome Emma, whose formidable skill as an interviewer and no-nonsense approach further strengthens the programme’s agenda-setting impact.”

Maitlis was shortlisted last year for the role of Question Time host, which eventually went to Fiona Bruce. She will present the programme from Monday to Wednesday.

She said: “I am delighted to be moving into this role at a time when Newsnight feels so pivotal to our understanding of this extraordinary moment in British history, and to be working with such an exceptional team.”

Wark, a Newsnight presenter for 25 years, will present more programmes per year than she did previously, taking on the majority of Thursday and Friday editions.