BBC cancels Boris Johnson interview after Laura Kuenssberg message gaffe

The BBC has called off a scheduled prime-time interview with Boris Johnson after presenter Laura Kuenssberg inadvertently shared her briefing notes with the former prime minister.

Kuenssberg mentioned that she had shared the notes with Johnson in a message intended for her team. The ex-BBC political editor expressed that it was both "embarrassing and disappointing," and stated that because of the mistake, it was inappropriate for the interview to proceed.

Scheduled to air at 7:30 PM on Thursday on BBC One, this interview was promoted as Boris Johnson’s first significant appearance since he stepped down from his position. He was anticipated to talk about Brexit, how his administration managed the Covid pandemic, and the Partygate controversy.

Several other broadcasters and podcasters have stepped up to propose that they take over the interview from Kuenssberg, following requests for the BBC to select a different journalist. Among those who expressed interest on X to take on the interview are former Sky political editor Adam Boulton, Alastair Campbell, who was once Tony Blair's director of communications, and Channel 4 News hosts Cathy Newman and Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Sunder Katwala, the head of the think tank British Future, also recommended that the BBC consider finding a different person to carry out the interview. “Why doesn’t the BBC simply have someone else handle the interview this Friday or next week?” he stated on X.

Johnson, who served as prime minister from 2019 to 2022, is releasing a memoir titled Unleashed next week.

Kuenssberg had earlier examined his administration in a Panorama episode titled "Partygate: Inside the Storm" and reflected on the recent years of Conservative governance in a three-part series for BBC Two called "Laura Kuenssberg: State of Chaos."

In a post on X on Wednesday night, Kuenssberg shared: “While getting ready to interview Boris Johnson tomorrow, I accidentally sent our briefing notes to him in a message intended for my team. Because of that, it's clear that the interview shouldn't happen.”

"It’s incredibly frustrating, and it’s pointless to sugarcoat it—this situation is both embarrassing and disappointing, raising many important questions. However, setting our feelings aside, being truthful is what matters most. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday."

A spokesperson for the BBC stated that the unintentional action rendered the interview impossible, leading both the BBC and Johnson's team to decide to call it off.

A representative for Johnson chose not to provide any remarks.