Trevor Phillips signed off from his Sunday morning politics show on Sky News, leaving viewers sharply divided. The broadcaster announced last month that he was stepping down after being hired by CBS News as its senior global affairs correspondent.
Opening the final edition of Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the 72-year-old said: “Welcome to our last Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips.” He then sat down with Wes Streeting, who had recently been appointed defence secretary by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Final Broadcast
Phillips admitted it was “quite strange” to interview Streeting in his new role, as the politician had “been a friend of the programme” as health secretary. Streeting acknowledged Phillips’ last day, declaring: “Well also in your last programme. It really is a case of out with the old and in with the new.”
The pair laughed as Phillips questioned whether he should take offence. “I'm only pulling your leg,” Streeting replied. “It is genuinely nice for me to be here with you. I was very pleased when the stars aligned and we could be here together.” He added that Phillips is “not an easy interview” for politicians and that viewers would miss him.
Viewer Reactions
Many social-media users expressed frustration over Phillips’ links to senior Labour figures. One wrote: “Wes Streeting, protege of Peter Mandelson, who in turn is best friends with Trevor Phillips (and was best man at his first wedding), the same Trevor Phillips who was readmitted to the Labour Party after an investigation into his Islamophobia was quietly shelved. One big club.”
Another commented: “‘Welcome to our last Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips’ Hurray. Trevor Phillips is a woeful interviewer. It may be that his replacement is worse but that's hard to imagine, so let's enjoy this moment.” A third added: “Correct. He’s lazy, full of his own importance, with a galaxy-sized ego. Good riddance.”
Others were blunt: “Might actually start watching it again.”
But there was also strong support. One viewer wrote: “What are you talking about? He is the best in the business.” Another said: “Trevor Phillips is bloody good at his job.” A third expressed sadness: “Surprised even shocked, but saddened too, to watch @TrevorPTweets advertise this is the final 'Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips'. Regularly watch it.... Most credible programme and journalist.”
