Vicki Young has this evening confirmed the rumour that she has not applied to replace Laura Kuenssberg as the BBC’s Political Editor.

Been getting lots of nice messages about #BBC Political Editor job so wanted to let you all know that for personal reasons I won’t be applying. But look forward to supporting whoever gets this incredible role.

— Vicki Young (@BBCVickiYoung) January 16, 2022

Despite being favourite and tipped by Andrew Marr no less – “I think Vicki Young, the current deputy political editor should get it, I think she would be brilliant, she is a real talent and it would be great to see her in the job” – she has decided not to go for one of the highest pressure jobs in political reporting.

Guido has put a few quid on Alex Forsyth, currently the BBC’s Political Correspondent. She’s the front running woman at 10/1 at the bookies. Worth a flutter…