THE UK Government’s search for a face for its new American-style TV briefings is in its final stages, it has emerged.
Downing Street’s new system of daily TV briefings will be similar to White House-style broadcasts and has been influenced by the Government’s coronavirus news conferences. Early in the pandemic, these broadcasts drew between two million and five million viewers every evening.
Rather than the Prime Minister taking questions, the briefings will see a new spokesperson role created to handle communications on a reported £100,000 annual salary.
The search for someone to fill the position is nearly over and is likely to conclude within days.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson seeking spokesperson to front Number 10 briefings
The current favourite for the job is Allegra Stratton, who runs Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s press operation. She was formerly with ITV News and is experienced in the Westminster “lobby” system.
Another top pick is Angus Walker, the media adviser who helped England’s Education Secretary Gavin Williamson get through the exam results row this summer. Like Stratton, Walker joined the UK Government from ITV News.
Lee Cain, Number 10’s director of communications, is also understood to be courting the BBC political correspondent Ellie Price. She is well known for her work on Daily Politics alongside Andrew Neil.
Meanwhile LBC presenter Lisa Aziz is seen as an outside bet. She is an award-winning TV and radio broadcaster with experience at Sky, ITV and Classic FM.
Riz Lateef of BBC London was previously suggested but is said to have declined approaches from Downing Street.
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