Update 31 May: Andrew Neil will join Times Radio earlier than first planned after the snap election was announced for July.
Neil was going to join in September in the run-up to an anticipated autumn election. He will now instead start on 3 June, a month before polling day.
Neil will broadcast for one hour every Monday to Thursday at 1pm. Once a week he will be joined by Conservative Michael Gove and Labour’s Harriet Harman, who both decided not to stand for re-election.
Chorley continues in the 10am to 1pm slot despite announcing he will be joining BBC 5 Live from September.
Tim Levell, programme director of Times Radio, said: “Andrew Neil joining Times Radio for the election campaign gives the station the strongest political line up in British radio, alongside the likes of John Pienaar, Kate McCann, Matt Chorley and Adam Boulton.
“Andrew’s authoritative take and razor-sharp analysis will be unmissable. Listeners want to know what’s really going on, and what to make of all the claims and counter-claims. Andrew will give it to them straight. And having Michael Gove and Harriet Harman join him each week is the icing on the cake.”
Neil said: “Someone once said a week is a long time in politics. In the digital age, a day is a long time. Join me on the Election Station from Monday June 3rd as I navigate Times Radio listeners through one of the most important elections in recent years. I’ll be bringing you the best interviews, the hottest debates and expert analysis.”
Matt Chorley to leave Times Radio for BBC 5 Live
Original story 21 May: Matt Chorley is leaving The Times and Times Radio after more than eight years to join BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of the next general election [note: at the time, it was believed the election would be held in the autumn.]
The news came a day after it was revealed Andrew Neil will join Times Radio, which is billing itself as the “Election Station”, in September.
Chorley’s current Times Radio slot is 10am to 1pm each weekday, in a show that proclaims to be “politics without the boring bits”. Neil will take on the 1pm slot on Mondays to Thursdays from 9 September.
The BBC said Chorley will present a political show each weekday afternoon from September but did not a time or start date.
Chorley said: “I can’t quite believe it. It’s exactly 20 years since this Somerset boy arrived in London with his three A Levels, 100 words per minute shorthand, a vast collection of Elton John records and a dream. But I could never have dreamt that one day I’d make it to the actual BBC, and in a huge general election year too.
“Over the years I’ve been able to interview at least six of the people who’ve spent varying amounts of time as prime minister, and plenty more who have tried. Now I can’t wait to also hear from the people with better stories, ideas and jokes – the 5 Live audience. Bringing them into the heart of Westminster, and getting out across the whole country, to tell the story of what Britain wants, and how it might get it.
“So please, when you come to make the big decision this autumn, Vote 5 Live. My name’s Matt Chorley, and I approve this message.”
Matt Chorley to bring ‘different perspective’ to BBC
Chorley, formerly Mail Online political editor, joined The Times in late 2015 to edit its Red Box political section and newsletter, later hosting its podcast.
He has been part of the Times Radio line-up since it launched in June 2021 and his show was expanded from four to five days a week after its first year. He also writes a weekly column for The Times.
The BBC promised Chorley, who is also a stand-up comedian, will offer a “different perspective to the current national political commentary and coverage”.
BBC Radio 5 Live controller Heidi Dawson said: “This is a monumental year for news and politics in the UK and across the world… At a time when political engagement is more important than ever, this show will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to gain insight into the decisions shaping their lives. Matt has a unique talent that makes politics relevant, engaging and funny.”
Andrew Neil original Times Radio announcement
On Monday 20 May News UK announced former Sunday Times editor and BBC political interviewer Andrew Neil will join Times Radio on 9 September to present a “new agenda-setting daily news programme focussing on the UK and US election, with debates, interviews with high-profile politicians and news-makers, and Andrew’s must-listen take on the day’s political events”.
Programme director Tim Levell said: “Andrew is indelibly associated with elections in the minds of the UK public. There is no one better to turn to for the authoritative take on both the UK and US elections. His interviews will be unmissable. His analysis will be peerless.
“As Times Radio expands its coverage during the election period, having Andrew Neil at 1pm will make Times Radio the must-listen destination on the dial.”
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
