Sandi Toksvig quits The News Quiz to found new political party

Comedian Sandi Toksvig is stepping down from her role as host of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and setting up a new political party campaigning for women's equality.

Toksvig, 56, has hosted the comedy quiz show for nine years and 28 series, but will leave at the end of the upcoming series, which concludes on 26 June.

The BBC was initially cagey about the reasons for her departure. A press release said Toksvig had made the "difficult decision" to leave in order "to embark on a new and exciting stage of her career".

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Toksvig herself said only: "The show is in great shape and, like a good house guest, you should always depart when people still wish you'd stay a bit longer."

This morning, during an interview on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, she revealed the real reason she is leaving.

"I have made jokes over and over again about politics and, do you know, this election I've had enough," she said. "I have decided that instead of making jokes about it, I need to participate."

She is founding the Women's Equality Party, which will campaign for equal pay, parenting rights, access to education, equal media treatment and an end to violence against women. The party is not fielding candidates in next week's election, but will take part in 2020.

Her departure for the News Quiz has prompted sadness, and speculation about who will replace the popular host.

During her time as host, The News Quiz has become one of the most popular programmes on BBC Radio 4, regularly topping the list of most-requested radio shows on the BBC iPlayer.

Regular panellist Susan Calman tweeted: "Very sad that Sandi's leaving the News Quiz. She's a fantastic host, a brilliant friend and wonderful to laugh with." A fan replied that the news that Toksvig was leaving the show was "like Zayn Malik leaving 1 Direction, but for the over-40s".

Who could possibly replace Toksvig? asks Rupert Hawksley in the Daily Telegraph, providing a list with odds supplied by Ladbrokes.

His contenders include Jeremy Clarkson at 50/1. Hawksley admits Clarkson would be "a surprise appointment" but says he is popular, even after the news of his fracas. And he's "sure to make a good fist of it, should the opportunity arise".

Jeremy Paxman comes in at 6/1. Hawksley says the former Newsnight presenter's "abrasive tone" hides a sense of humour that would "flourish" on The News Quiz. Jo Brand is also a possibility, says Hawksley. She's "quick, amusing and erudite.

But the favourite is regular panellist Sue Calman, who has performed well as the host when Toksvig has been away. Ladbrokes has her at 3/1.

The BBC has said a new host will be announced later this year.