BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg Viewers ‘Switch Off’ Within Minutes as They Make Same Demand

BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg faced backlash from viewers just moments into her latest episode of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, 

as many took to social media to express their frustrations and demand a permanent change in host. The veteran political journalist returned to her self-titled show after a brief absence, 

during which she was replaced by Victoria Derbyshire. 

However, many viewers were seemingly unimpressed with her return, voicing their preference for Derbyshire to take over the role permanently.

Viewers Express Their Discontent

Kuenssberg, 48, resumed her position as host for the Sunday morning political program, where she was joined by guests including Stephen Fry, Zanny Minton Beddoes, and Simon Hart. However, within minutes of the broadcast, disgruntled viewers took to social media to criticize her presenting style, with many claiming they preferred Derbyshire’s approach the previous week.

One viewer bluntly stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Oh gawd, @bbclaurak is back – bring back @VictoriaLIVE.” Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “Can’t help thinking Laura watched Victoria Derbyshire last week and thought ‘I can do that’… and is showing us this morning that she can’t.”

The calls for Derbyshire’s permanent appointment grew louder, with one frustrated viewer questioning, “Does anyone want Laura Kuenssberg to remain as presenter of the Sunday Morning Political Show? We pay the ridiculous wages of these people and we should be allowed a say. Surely, Victoria Derbyshire is a SERIOUS journalist.”

Others specifically criticized Kuenssberg’s interview technique, particularly her tendency to interrupt guests. One person complained, “Laura just talking at the same time as the guests really doesn’t lend well to the viewer. Get Victoria Derbyshire back!” Another user expressed similar frustrations, writing, “Looking forward to Tory Laura interrupting and rudely talking over the top of her THREE Tory guests like she is with BP. #bbclaurak needs to be permanently replaced by Victoria Derbyshire ASAP.”

Backlash Over Bridget Phillipson’s Appearance

Later in the program, it was not Kuenssberg but Labour’s Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson who became the target of viewer criticism. Phillipson, who appeared on the show to discuss education funding, also addressed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Labour leader Keir Starmer had done nothing to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

While discussing the state of public finances, Phillipson stated, “The Conservatives burnt the house down, left the public finances in a wreck, and that means there have been some really hard things that we’ve had to think about.”

However, her comments sparked backlash from viewers, many of whom accused her of deflecting responsibility and failing to provide clear solutions. One viewer mocked her remarks, posting, “Bridget Phillipson – so far out of her depth it’s laughable. Trotting out the same old MP BS: ‘Blame the last lot.’ We’d all be better off if she was at home burning her kids’ toast.”

Another critic added, “Phillipson is very good at not answering the question.” A third wrote, “Phillipson is an ideologue. Levelling down is what she’s doing. She is a danger to our education system and our children and young people.”

There was also anger over her comments on defence spending, with some viewers accusing her of misleading the public. One frustrated viewer stated, “Why is Bridget Phillipson allowed to lie on national TV and get away with it? On Sky and BBC, she has said 2.5% on defence spending was last hit under Labour, which is wrong as it was actually that until the mid-2010s.”

Growing Calls for Change at the BBC

The backlash against Kuenssberg and Phillipson comes amid increasing scrutiny of the BBC’s political coverage, with viewers demanding changes to how interviews are conducted. Many have called for a fresh approach, with Derbyshire’s name frequently mentioned as a preferred alternative to Kuenssberg.

Derbyshire, a respected journalist and broadcaster, has gained a loyal following for her direct and engaging style. Following her guest-hosting stint, viewers praised her ability to conduct balanced and insightful interviews, with many now advocating for her to become the permanent face of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

The BBC has yet to respond to the growing criticism or address whether any changes will be made to the program. However, with audiences increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction, the network may find itself under pressure to reconsider its Sunday morning lineup.

For now, Kuenssberg remains at the helm, but if viewer feedback continues in the same direction, the BBC may need to rethink its strategy to maintain audience engagement.

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