Guardian political editor exits after months of turmoil

Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton has resigned after a year in the job, following a period of turmoil in its federal bureau.

Editor Lenore Taylor told staff of the decision late on Friday evening, shortly after Middleton had announced her decision on social media.

“I’m writing to let you know that Karen Middleton has resigned as political editor. I would like to thank Karen for her contribution to Guardian Australia and wish her well in her future endeavours,” Taylor said in the single paragraph email.

Guardian Australia’s outgoing political editor Karen Middleton.Credit: Guardian website

Middleton told her social media followers she planned on continuing in political journalism, despite having taken several months of medical leave.

“After an extended period of medical leave, I have decided to resign from Guardian Australia,” Middleton said.

“I thank the many colleagues who were welcoming and collaborative during my time there.”

“I won’t be making any further comment.”

She joined The Guardian in March last year after long term political editor Katharine Murphy left to join the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office as press secretary.

Her time at the bureau coincided with a period of instability, during which a number of staff including chief political correspondent Paul Karp, reporters Amy Remeikis, Daniel Hurst and veteran photographer Mike Bowers left.

Her departure follows an interview process of Canberra-based staff, questioned after Middleton and Karp made counter claims of workplace misconduct against each other in late 2024.

During an exit speech to staff, Karp claimed he was leaving with a “clean record”.

Middleton had more than three decades of experience reporting on federal politics in Canberra. She joined from The Saturday Paper, and is a regular Insiders panelist on the ABC.

Taylor confirmed a hiring process to replace Middleton will begin imminently. Middleton’s departure means the Guardian’s Canberra bureau is likely to be without a political editor for its coverage of the upcoming federal election, due to be called late this month or in early April.

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