BBC Breakfast saw a format change on Monday, June 22, with Sally Nugent anchoring the programme alone in the studio while co-host Jon Kay reported from outside Downing Street. The shift came amid growing speculation that Prime Minister Keir Starmer could announce his resignation.
Jon Kay Reports from Downing Street
As the programme began, Jon Kay was stationed at No 10, where he addressed viewers: "Good morning, welcome to Breakfast with me, Jon Kay, live on Downing Street this morning amid growing signs that the Prime Minister could be set to resign." He added that "the widespread expectation within government and within the Labour Party is that we could hear Sir Keir Starmer setting out a timetable for his departure as early as this morning." Kay also noted that Andy Burnham, Starmer's political rival, was returning to Westminster after his convincing victory in the Makerfield by-election.
Sally Nugent Solo in Studio
When the cameras returned to the studio, Sally Nugent was the sole presenter on the sofa, delivering the rest of the day's news. This departure from the usual duo format—typically featuring pairings like Jon Kay and Sally Nugent or Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt—prompted reactions from viewers on social media. One person questioned on X: "Are they standing outside Downing Street for the whole programme as well?" Another posted: "Good grief, this is getting ridiculous. All we need now is live helicopter coverage of the train carrying Andy Burnham on its dramatic journey from Manchester to Euston."
Political Context
Kay explained that on Friday, after Burnham's by-election win, Starmer said he would "hang on" and fight any attempts to depose him. However, over the weekend, the mood shifted, with even Starmer's closest allies suggesting he might set out a timetable for his departure within hours. BBC Breakfast airs on BBC One from 6am.
