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Although I think Paxman would like the role, and may for a few years get it, in the long term I think it is more likely to be Emily or Jeremy who take over as main anchor. Although Jon would also be a good choice - his news channel experience must be valuable when anchoring that type of programme. It would also be good if he could be used as a sort of 'election specialist' as he also anchors things like the french election tomorrow night. I would really like it if the bbc covered more international elections. The other candidate must be Nick Robinson, depending what he does post-political editor. If he was to get question time or newsnight the role could be his.
I can't see them choosing Emily Maitliss to be Dimbleby's eventual successor. She's a bit lightweight for such a big role. If you asked someone to name a well-known BBC political presenter, I'm sure she wouldn't be top of the list. Paxman or Sopel are more likely, although my money's going on Huw Edwards. He's already filling David's role as the State occasions presenter and he was a political correspondent for BBC News before he took the Six O'Clock News presenting job in May 1999. So, his wealth of experience and general popularity with viewers would surely make him the favourite?
The big suggestion that it could be Edwards is his role in covering welsh elections. I completely disagree that Emily Maitlis is too lightweight - she presents Newsnight (and could well be Paxman's successor) wheras Edwards presents the news at ten which in my books makes her a tougher political person. The BBC must have a 'what if' plan for all their senior presenters, but especially the older ones. It would be interesting to know what it is.
What do we think of Jon Sopel taking main election duties, succeeding Dimbleby whenever that will be? I think he'd easily be the best candidate to follow on from David judging by last night.
And definitely credit to Emily and Jeremy. Two very very good broadcasters, and both very versatile too.
And definitely credit to Emily and Jeremy. Two very very good broadcasters, and both very versatile too.
Although I think Paxman would like the role, and may for a few years get it, in the long term I think it is more likely to be Emily or Jeremy who take over as main anchor. Although Jon would also be a good choice - his news channel experience must be valuable when anchoring that type of programme. It would also be good if he could be used as a sort of 'election specialist' as he also anchors things like the french election tomorrow night. I would really like it if the bbc covered more international elections. The other candidate must be Nick Robinson, depending what he does post-political editor. If he was to get question time or newsnight the role could be his.
I can't see them choosing Emily Maitliss to be Dimbleby's eventual successor. She's a bit lightweight for such a big role. If you asked someone to name a well-known BBC political presenter, I'm sure she wouldn't be top of the list. Paxman or Sopel are more likely, although my money's going on Huw Edwards. He's already filling David's role as the State occasions presenter and he was a political correspondent for BBC News before he took the Six O'Clock News presenting job in May 1999. So, his wealth of experience and general popularity with viewers would surely make him the favourite?
The big suggestion that it could be Edwards is his role in covering welsh elections. I completely disagree that Emily Maitlis is too lightweight - she presents Newsnight (and could well be Paxman's successor) wheras Edwards presents the news at ten which in my books makes her a tougher political person. The BBC must have a 'what if' plan for all their senior presenters, but especially the older ones. It would be interesting to know what it is.
BBC Radio 2 has had a news-based lunchtime phone-in for as long as I can remember. Jeremy's hosted it for years now, ever since Jimmy Young retired and I think it's probably fairly popular with the public. Why can't he stay on that for as long as he wants? After all, Dimbleby has done Question Time and Paxman Newsnight for years and years and no-one seems to have a problem with that. Why must Jeremy Vine return to BBC News all of a sudden?