Barrie Cassidy ‘chuffed’ at David Speers replacing him

A surprising outsider has emerged to replace Barrie Cassidy on Insiders — and the ABC veteran couldn’t be happier about it.

Sky News presenter David Speers will replace Barrie Cassidy as host of Insiders, a move the veteran ABC journalist couldn’t be more “chuffed” about.

Speers, who has been a presenter at Sky News for almost two decades, is expected to replace Cassidy when he steps down from his role hosting the respected Sunday morning politics show.

Cassidy’s replacement had previously been expected to be someone from the ABC, with Annabel Crabb or Patricia Karvelas touted as possible hosts.

Barrie Cassidy is stepping down as Insiders host. Picture: Stuart McEvoy/The Australian.

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Speaking about Speers’ appointment on ABC’s News Breakfast this morning, Cassidy said he was pleased the Walkley winner would be taking over as Insiders host.

“There has been no formal announcement, and the bureaucracy gets in the way at times like this, but he’ll be there eventually,” Cassidy said.

“I couldn’t be more chuffed that somebody with his credibility and respect within the industry, which was so apparent on Twitter last night, wants to do Insiders. That really pleases me.”

Sky News’s David Speers. Picture: Foxtel

Cassidy announced he would be leaving Insiders in June after 18 years as host while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Melbourne Press Club’s Quill Awards in March.

“I have always admired and respected all of the panellists that I’ve worked with, and all those on staff who made it happen, particularly the longest-serving EP, Kellie Mayo,” Cassidy said at the time.

“But I am convinced after 18 years that it’s time to give somebody else a go. I could list half a dozen within the organisation who could do it well … but I won’t!”

Speers’ appointment comes as a number of key positions within the ABC are being reshuffled, with News Breakfast’s Virginia Trioli to take over from Jon Faine at ABC Radio Melbourne.

Tony Jones is also stepping down as host of Q&A by the end of the year, with his replacement not yet announced.