Former PMs thank Kirsty Wark for ‘terrifying’ them as she hosts final Newsnight

The 69-year-old, who’s the longest-serving presenter on the BBC Two present affairs programme after becoming a member of in 1993, hosted her final present on Friday night.

A lot of the programme was devoted to Wark, who touched on the US presidential election on the outset of the programme.

She was joined within the studio by former BBC journalist Lewis Goodall, Scottish actor Alan Cumming, Newsnight political editor Nicholas Watt and outgoing As we speak programme presenter Martha Kearney for her final version.

There was additionally a spherical of video clips from former UK leaders, who Wark had grilled over time.

Sir Tony known as her “robust however honest and at all times exceptionally sensible”.

He added: “I want you the perfect of luck and I’m certain you’ll keep it up doing nice issues.”

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton referenced his personal profession comeback as Overseas Secretary underneath Rishi Sunak throughout his message.

He mentioned: “Kirsty, many congratulations on over three many years of presenting Newsnight. You’ve gotten questioned us, quizzed us, held us to account and sometimes terrified us.

“However an ideal file, many congratulations. Now you’re retiring however you may at all times retire after an extended profession after which make a comeback, greatest needs, properly accomplished with all the pieces.”

Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon mentioned: “To say you’re a broadcasting titan, clearly throughout the UK, however significantly right here in Scotland can be an understatement. It’s onerous to think about that panorama with out you.

“I had a really, very first interview expertise with you after I was simply 17 or 18 years previous. I used to be in awe of you then and it’s honest to say that hasn’t actually modified.”

Former prime minster Gordon Brown known as her a “path breaker in British journalism” and an “interviewer who’s at all times requested the looking out questions”, in addition to calling consideration to her documentary work, which has included taking a look at social media, the menopause and influential feminine Scottish figures.

He added that she was “at all times a broadcaster who enhanced her data of present affairs” and thanked her.

Clips have been performed of Wark interviewing former prime ministers together with Baroness Margaret Thatcher, in addition to ex-US president Invoice Clinton and musicians Sir Elton John and George Michael, alongside together with her protecting main occasions over greater than three many years.

Wark will go on to current editions of BBC Radio 4 present Entrance Row, starting on the Edinburgh Competition in August.

She had introduced final 12 months that she was stepping down following the Normal Election.

Wark signed off Newsnight on Friday saying: “Thanks very a lot. Effectively, I imply, that’s all for me. It has been an honour and a blast.

“Thanks to all my great colleagues, equally great viewers. Carry on switching on, Victoria (Derbyshire) is again on Monday. Till then, good evening, and good luck.”

Colleagues gathered within the studio to clap her within the ultimate moments whereas earlier Derbyshire, together with Wark’s youngsters, contributed to video clips to the programme.