Kate McCann to co-host breakfast on Times Radio with Stig Abell

Journalist and broadcaster Kate McCann is joining Stig Abell to co-host Times Radio’s Breakfast show Monday to Thursday.

Kate has been political editor of Times Radio since 2023 and will start her new job on Monday 3rd February, taking over from Aasmah Mir who left in November.

Prior to Times Radio, McCann was political editor of TalkTV between 2022 and 2023, a political correspondent for Sky News between 2018 and 2022, and the Daily Telegraph’s senior political correspondent between 2015 and 2018.

Kate McCann said: “There are very few things that could get me out of bed at 3am every morning but the opportunity to present Times Radio Breakfast is top of that list.

“It’s such a huge privilege to join Stig and the team waking the nation up every morning and I hope to bring curiosity, political instinct and a bit of northern warmth to our new Breakfast show.

“Politics is my first love, so there will be plenty of that – and I can’t think of a better time to be taking on the challenge as Donald Trump becomes President again, Labour attempts to steer the UK out of economic difficulty and social media bosses continue to become the voices of our age.

“I can’t wait to join the team as we try to answer some of the biggest questions facing us all in what’s set to be a year of huge global change.”

Stig Abell said: “You can’t do a breakfast show if you can’t face seeing your co-presenter everyday at 4 in the morning. Happily, I know Kate very well and that she will be a brilliant person to start the day with. She has been a real asset to Times Radio as political editor. I cannot wait for her to bring all her energy and intelligence to our daily exploration of the news, politics and curiosities of the morning.”

McCann will step away from her role co-hosting flagship politics show Sunday Morning with Adam Boulton, which he will now present solo.

In addition, Times Radio will welcome comedian and writer Geoff Norcott to the station presenter line-up, with a Friday evening (7pm-10pm) show.

Geoff Norcott said: “I can’t wait to take over Friday evenings. Times Radio does a great job of keeping people informed and entertained, so given it’s the start of the weekend my show will tend towards the latter.

“We’ll still keep people across the big stories, but there will also be a lot of chat about music, TV, film and sport. Given that I grew up on a council estate, some people are calling this a diversity hire, but I’d like to think I’m here on merit.”

Other appointments include the launch of former Conservative MP and House of Lords member Ed Vaizey’s permanent Friday morning show (10am-1pm), giving listeners a regular weekly dose of sharp political insight.

Andrew Neil will return to Times Radio to present Times at One for one week every month throughout 2025. The Times at One show will also feature a rotating roster of presenters, including broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips, Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein and editor of the Times political newsletter Lara Spirit.

Andrew Neil said: “I am delighted to renew and continue my association with Times Radio, which continues to go from strength to strength. The need for informed, unbiased and quality analysis of current events has never been greater and Times Radio is the perfect platform from which to provide it.”

It was announced earlier this month that journalist, broadcaster, and Sunday Times columnist Rod Liddle will be the new host of its Saturday morning show.

Station PD Tim Levell said: “Kate McCann has been exceptional as political editor. Listeners value her credibility, clarity and authority. And her interviews have made some of the biggest headlines of 2024. Kate is the perfect choice to make Times Radio Breakfast agenda-setting and must-listen.

“In 2025, Times Radio is committed to being the voice of The Times, delivering intelligent, insightful and engaging news coverage and debate. Our enhanced presenter line-up brings together a diverse range of voices, ensuring our listeners get a broad spectrum of perspectives, analysis and expert opinions. With brilliant names throughout the day, we’re excited about the future of Times Radio.”