Andrew Neil announced his departure on Twitter
(Picture: PA)GB chairman and veteran broadcaster, Andrew Neil, has taken to Twitter to announce his departure from GB News – just months after launch.
Following weeks of speculation, Neil confirmed to his 1.1 million followers on Monday: ‘It’s official: I have resigned as Chairman and Lead Presenter of GB News’.
The former Sunday Times editor and BBC interviewer’s departure comes at a turmoil time for GB News. According to The Times, three senior producers reportedly quit within days apart, which they believe is a result of an “increasingly populist agenda [which] is polarising the newsroom.”
It’s official: I have resigned as Chairman and Lead Presenter of GB News.
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) September 13, 2021
In a statement, Neil said: “I am sorry to go but I have concluded it’s time to reduce my commitments on a number of fronts.
“Over the summer I’ve had time to reflect on my extensive portfolio of interests and decided it was time to cut back.”
“I wish GB News well in continuing to fulfil its founding promise and mission to reach audiences currently underserved by existing news broadcasters”, he added.
A statement from GB News said: “Andrew is without doubt one of the finest journalists and interviewers in this country.”
“GB News thanks him for his 12 months of leadership, wisdom and advice and we wish him well.”
The news prompted many responses from Twitter.
Arh the gradual (rapid) decline of GB News is a marvellous thing to witness
— Topple and Burn Jewellery (@ToppleandBurn) September 13, 2021
You did a solid couple of weeks work there, fella. Sorry your culture war nonsense wasn’t a success.
— TwoLegsBad (@TwoLegsBad2) September 13, 2021
What's GB News?
— Gavin Williamson (comedian) Peter Buck. (@PeteBuc10428221) September 13, 2021
I've spent longer on the toilet, but I suppose we both ended up with the same result.
— Stephen Kerr (@kidcobbler) September 13, 2021
You really did a fantastic job of tackling the metropolitan elite babes, well done xoxoxox
— Josh Wheeler *NEW ACCOUNT* (@Joshtwhee1er) September 13, 2021
You seem to be the only person shocked by the Channel’s content and direction……….even though we all knew before any transmission. pic.twitter.com/x8sOtiLKwj
— Dave Winter (@pocoloco11111) September 13, 2021
I’m sure this will come as a great shock to your viewer.
— Coly O'Hare (@colydawg) September 13, 2021
Yes, in the same way that chlamydia is important to shagging.
— James M (@hmrhd123) September 13, 2021
Oh. YOU'RE the viewer. Assumed it was a bot
— Bradley Wall 🏳️🌈 🇪🇺🇬🇧🌍 (@BWallArthur) September 13, 2021
Talks of the right-leaning ‘anti woke’ channel kicked off last year after Andrew Neil announced his departure from the BBC after 25 years. The channel features presenters such as Nigel Farage and Alastair Stewart and has been plagued with technical problems and questionable moments throughout.
From falling for the ‘Mike Hunt’ prank, the controversial moment Lady Colin Campbell claimed Jeffery Epstein wasn’t a paedophile, to Dan Wootton’s questions branded as “stupid” by Lord Sugar, GB News had an interesting past few months, to say the least.
It’s a technological car crash. Either there’s a real Mike Hunt out there, or someone was having a laugh… editorial discretion should be advised… #GBNews pic.twitter.com/jhCPl6cwdO
— Ian Pinnell (@ianpinnell) June 15, 2021
Neil will continue to appear as a commentator twice a week on Farage’s show. A GB News worker said Neil joined ‘12 months ago and signed a multi-year contract, so we hoped he’d stay longer.’
GB News has since announced a weekly political programme called The Briefing PM hosted by journalist Isabel Oakeshott. “I’m really excited to announce I’m joining GB News – my new show coming soon...”, she said.
