BBC News: Presenters & Rotas

"after 8 action-packed years - am moving seat a few places"

They're probably roughly on par with each other, but it wouldn't be unreasonable to think someone in Robert's position might need a new challenge after eight years in one post.

It also neatly solves the Beeb's problem of potentially having an unfamiliar network-wide economics editor at the same time as Newsnight gets one (assuming it does), while perhaps moving Robert into a more political role as a potential contender to replace Nick Robinson.

And the business role could, potentially, go to an internal candidate who wouldn't have been considered for the economics job. I can't imagine the business role would be out of James Landale's reach, for example, or perhaps we might see a return for Laura Kuenssberg?

For what it's worth, I had my money on Gillian Tett. Wouldn't be surprised if she could replace Robert, either.

I doubt Sian Williams would get the impact role, seen as she has a new role within the corporation, and she is still technically the deputy presenter on the News at one , despite not being on it for a long time now. Kate, on the other hand, would be a great replacement.

Who's the guy presenting the sport on the news channel tonight?

Tim Hague apparently

Peston is virtually on record as saying he wants Nick Robinson's job (Independent)

I am surprised by this decision but it does make some sense. Economics, business and political editors are all senior posts. I wouldn't say any one of them is higher, but I do think it makes it more likely that Peston will do all three in his career! Economics is more political and does give Peston a new challenge. I'm sure the business role will be an outsider though.

The only other point to consider that could have made Peston to move is the appointment of Linda Yueh as Chief Business Corresponent. This could have led to the perception that the job was being shared, with Peston remit reducing from covering certain international stories. Moving to Economics editor allows the wider remit to report as he wishes, although might be harder to report on the 'softer' political stories, such as the 'phone hacking' scandal, which would help to remove the tension between him and Nick.

Again, with the departure of Flanders, this leaves the entire Editors line-up as male only. What internal female candidates are there to take on a major role? Joe Lynam would have been the obvious replacement, but can't see that given the headlines and Tony Hall's aim of increasing female representation. So I too can only see an external appointment...

Gillian Tett is the only female being bandied about as a successor to Robert in the business role.

Another question is who will replace Paul Mason. I hope we'll hear about this soon as well.

A suggestion on Twitter that @itvlaurak might be back as @bbclaurak in Peston's former role.

"Person says something on internet".

Source ....

Panmure Gordon's David Buik

It would be a serious coup if the BBC managed to get her. Fantastic reporter and communicator.

I'd rather her return to politics tbh. Not really rating her as a business reporter.