Why is Kay Burley leaving Sky News? What we know as host issues statement

It's the end of an era for Sky News, as Kay Burley has announced her retirement after 36 years as the broadcaster's anchor.

Burley has been with Sky News since its launch in 1989 and has been a trusted voice for viewers on breaking news stories from general elections to terror attacks, natural disasters to Royal births.

On Wednesday morning as she closed her final Sky News Breakfast show, Burley shared her news with viewers, calling the job "an honour and a privilege".

Here's what we know so far about Kay Burley leaving Sky News.

What Kay Burley said about leaving Sky News

Burley is known as the face of Sky News, but this morning dropped a bombshell announcement that she was quitting her role as the channel marked its 36th birthday.

Making her leaving speech at the end of Wednesday's Sky News Breakfast, the 64-year-old said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business.

"News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster.

"But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and days waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing.

"But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - it's time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel.

"So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news!

"Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch."

Reaction to Kay Burley leaving Sky News

Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes paid tribute to Burley, saying: "With millions of minutes presenting live rolling news, Kay's legacy in television journalism is unmatched, as is her commitment to Sky's legacy. And I'm sure some MPs in Westminster will sleep easy knowing they won't face her indomitable questioning in the mornings."

He added: "We thank Kay for her huge contribution to Sky, to the art of the interview and to British journalism. And we wish her the best of luck."

Former Sky News journalist Adam Boulton wrote on X: “The one and only @KayBurley announces she is leaving @SkyNews.

“Kay is unique, there are no other women of her background who have had such an impact on British news and current affairs. We have been friends and colleagues for forty years. Onward Kay I know it’s going to be exciting!"

Former BBC Newsnight producer Sam McAlister posted: “Genuinely devastated to hear about @KayBurley leaving @SkyNews. An absolute icon. Smart as hell, sharp as they come, bloody amazing company.

"Always a total inspiration to me as a single parent and woman from a different background. A sad day."

What we don't know

We don't yet know who is set to replace Burley on Sky News, with channel executives sharing that the current line-up would continue without her for the moment.

Rhodes said in his statement: "Kay confirmed that today was her final broadcast with Sky News. Of course, Breakfast continues — with the other current presenters and with our Friday-Sunday team."

Kay Burley's controversies over the years

After such a long career in broadcasting, Burley has unsurprisingly found herself at the centre of a few controversies over the years.

She had to apologise to guest Peter Andre in February 2010 when he became tearful after she aired comments by the former footballer Dwight Yorke. He had criticised Andre for volunteering to adopt Katie Price’s eldest child Harvey, whose father is Yorke.

In November 2019, she “empty chaired” then Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly who she said had been a no-show for Sky News Breakfast — although Cleverly claimed he had never been booked to appear that day.

One of Burley's most memorable controversies was over the coronavirus pandemic when she was found to have broken Covid rules despite regularly grilling politicians about lockdown rules. In May 2020, she questioned Cabinet minister Michael Gove over Dominic Cummings’ trip to Barnard Castle, but that December she admitted to breaking the rules herself by throwing a 60th birthday party and was suspended from her role for six months.

Sky News’s political editor Beth Rigby and correspondent Inzamam Rashid were also both taken off air for three months as they had celebrated with Burley at her birthday party.

Burley returned to Sky News in June 2021 and told the Daily Mail: "I thought I was Covid-compliant. I wasn’t. I made a mistake. I was an idiot and I let myself and my viewers down. I’m sorry for what I did and for any heartache, I caused the loyal friends with me at the time.”

More recently there were more than 1,500 complaints were made over on-air remarks by Burley about the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, Dr Husam Zomlot, on a 10 October show in 2023 following Hamas launching an attack on Israel.

Ofcom ruled that the episode "gave a potentially misleading representation" of his views during Breakfast With Kay Burley.