BBC’s interview with Boris Johnson has been cancelled after Laura Kuenssberg, the presenter, made a blunder by sending him her briefing notes by mistake. Kuenssberg, known for hosting the BBC’s flagship Sunday political interview show, expressed her regret over the incident, stating that the notes were meant for her team. As a result of the error, the BBC decided it was inappropriate to proceed with the planned interview.
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister, was scheduled for the interview as part of promotions for his upcoming memoir, ‘Unleashed’, set to be released next week. Kuenssberg, who previously delved into Johnson’s government in the investigation ‘Panorama Partygate: Inside the Storm’ and explored the recent Conservative era in a BBC Two series, ‘Laura Kuenssberg: State of Chaos’, acknowledged the mistake in a post on X, expressing her frustration and embarrassment. She emphasised the importance of honesty and disclosed that the interview would not take place as scheduled.
A spokesperson for Boris Johnson declined to comment on the situation. The incident has caused a stir and raised questions about the handling of sensitive information and communication within the BBC. Despite the setback, Kuenssberg assured viewers that important questions would be addressed in subsequent broadcasts. The unexpected turn of events has left both the BBC and Kuenssberg facing an awkward and disappointing situation. However, the focus remains on maintaining transparency and integrity in journalistic practices.
As the incident continues to generate discussion and speculation, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks involved in high-profile political journalism. Moving forward, both the BBC and Kuenssberg are expected to take measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future, ensuring professionalism and accuracy in their reporting. The cancellation of the interview with Boris Johnson underscores the need for vigilance and attention to detail in the fast-paced world of media and public relations.