The BBC said Kuenssberg had been “enormously successful” as political editor. In her seven years, she covered two general elections, the Brexit referendum and the Government’s response to the Covid pandemic.

However, she has also been a polarising figure, with some critics accusing her of being an unofficial spokesperson for the Government. She was the favoured journalist of Dominic Cummings while he was Boris Johnson’s chief adviser.

Tim Davie, the BBC’s director-general, said: “Laura has been an outstanding BBC political editor throughout the most turbulent political times in living memory. Her incisive commentary, tough questioning and astute insight have guided our audiences through the last seven years.

“She’s a superb interviewer and engaging presenter, and I’m thrilled that we are keeping her on our screens and airwaves. I’m looking forward to her next chapter.”

Fran Unsworth, the BBC’s director of news, said: “Laura’s a born journalist and she’s done an amazing job as political editor. She’s an energetic and determined story-getter, who gets straight to the heart of the issue and knows exactly the right questions to ask.

“Our political coverage would have been immeasurably poorer without Laura as political editor. We’re lucky to have her.”

On Sunday, Andrew Marr signed off from his long-running BBC politics show. The veteran broadcaster has left the BBC after more than two decades, including 16 years at the helm of his own Sunday morning show.