Beloved Sky News stalwart Kay Burley is stepping down after more than three decades at the forefront of broadcasting, covering some of the biggest stories in British political and global news. While her departure marks the end of an era, attention is now turning to who might step into her shoes.
Proud Northerner Burley, who hails from Wigan, cut her teeth on her hometown paper the Chronicle before moving into broadcasting. And given the region’s heritage for producing some of the UK’s most formidable broadcast journalists, there’s every chance her replacement could come with a Northern accent.
Here’s a look at some of the talents with Northern links who could be in the running to replace her:
Sarah-Jane Mee: A University of Manchester graduate, Mee has built a solid career in both local news and sport broadcasting. After making her name on Sky Sports, she transitioned to Sky News, where she has hosted The Sarah-Jane Mee Show since 2019. Her versatility and experience in handling breaking news make her a strong contender.
Victoria Derbyshire: Hailing from Bury, Derbyshire has long been one of the BBC’s most respected interviewers. Her hard-hitting style and ability to get to the heart of an issue have made her a household name. If Sky is looking for an experienced broadcaster with a fearless reputation, she would be a natural choice.
Naga Munchetty: Though originally from London, Munchetty studied at the University of Leeds and has since become a staple of BBC Breakfast. With her mix of incisive political interviews and a lighter touch in human-interest features, she could bring a new dimension to Sky’s flagship programming.
Emma Barnett: Another University of Manchester alumna, Barnett is known for her tenacious interview style, having grilled politicians and public figures during her tenure at BBC Radio 5 Live and Woman’s Hour. Her ability to balance warmth with forensic questioning makes her a strong potential candidate.
Emily Maitlis: Though born in Canada, Maitlis grew up in Sheffield and has had a storied career in broadcast journalism, most notably at BBC Newsnight. Since leaving the BBC, she has fronted the highly successful podcast The News Agents. If Sky is looking for a big-name signing, Maitlis would be a formidable choice.
Lewis Goodall Originally from Birmingham but with strong ties to Manchester, having started his career at Granada, Goodall is a rising star in political journalism. Now co-hosting The News Agents alongside Maitlis, he is known for his sharp analysis and deep understanding of policy. If Sky is seeking a younger, dynamic presence, Goodall could be a wildcard pick.
With such a strong Northern representation among Britain’s top broadcasters, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of these names take over the role. While Beth Rigby also remains a frontrunner, her Essex roots make her the only contender on this list without a Northern connection. Whoever steps into Burley’s shoes will have big boots to fill, but it’s clear that the North has no shortage of journalistic talent ready to rise to the occasion.
