BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg has confirmed she is stepping down from her role in a matter of months.

The journalist was made political editor at the BBC in July 2015, and has faced multiple allegations of bias during her tenure.

It had previously been reported that Kuenssberg could be moved from the position earlier this year. It was suggested that the broadcaster would stay in the BBC, and perhaps move to radio rather than a TV focus.

READ MORE: Who could replace Laura Kuenssberg as the BBC's political editor?

Now the journalist herself has said she will be leaving her role in April, to take up a senior presenting and reporting position across the corporation that will take in TV, radio and online.

In a tweet, she said: “After nearly 7 years, in April I'm moving on from best daily reporting job + the most wonderful team in the business. It's been an honour and an amazing ride - more to come in 2022! With love + thanks to all at @BBCPolitics.”

And in a statement, she said: “I’ve been so lucky to do the best daily reporting job in the business, with the best colleagues anyone could wish for. It’s been incredible to occupy the chair during a time of such huge change and to try to make sense of it for our viewers, listeners and readers online.

“I’ll miss the daily drama, and our wonderful team in Westminster, immensely. But after nearly seven years and what feels like decades’ worth of headlines, it’s time for the next move.”

Kuenssberg’s decision to step down comes amid a time of upheaval for the BBC. Sunday marked the final airing of the long-running Andrew Marr Show, as the journalist leaves the corporation to focus on writing columns and presenting talk radio, and Scotland editor Sarah Smith has recently been appointed North America editor.

Smith is replacing Jon Sopel, who has been rumoured as a possible replacement for Kuenssberg.

Sopel was among the people posting messages on social media following the news, tweeting: “Laura – as they say where I’ve been living all the time you’ve been pol ed: you smashed it out of the park. What an astonishing run you’ve had x.”

The BBC’s Director-General Tim Davie (below) commented as the news about Kuenssberg emerged. He said: “Laura has been an outstanding BBC political editor throughout the most turbulent political times in living memory. Her incisive commentary, tough questioning and astute insight have guided our audiences through the last seven years.

The National:

“She’s a superb interviewer and engaging presenter, and I’m thrilled that we are keeping her on our screens and airwaves. I’m looking forward to her next chapter.”

The BBC’s director of news, Fran Unsworth, added: “Laura’s a born journalist and she’s done an amazing job as political editor. She’s an energetic and determined story-getter, who gets straight to the heart of the issue and knows exactly the right questions to ask.

“Our political coverage would have been immeasurably poorer without Laura as political editor. We’re lucky to have her.”