Leigh Sales steps down as host of 7:30 after over a decade

Leigh Sales has stunned viewers by announcing she will not continue on as host of 7:30 after more than a decade behind the desk.

Leigh Sales will step down as anchor of ABC current affairs program 7:30 after more than 10 years in the role.

In a teary announcement at the end of Thursday’s program, Ms Sales told viewers she would step down later in the year after the next federal election.

She said there was nothing negative influencing the decision, but it was time to give somebody else the opportunity and to give herself a break.

“There‘s nothing wrong, other than I just feel a strong sense of it being time to pass the baton to the next runner in the race and to take a break,” the 48-year-old said.

“At the end of an election cycle feels like a good time to move on to something new at the ABC.”

Sales began hosting 7:30 in 2011. Picture: Britta Campion / The Australian

Ms Sales pointed out during her time behind the desk Australia has had five Prime Ministers.

“I hope it‘s been obvious that I’ve always approached this job with one goal – and that is to ask frank questions of people in power, without fear or favour, that a fair-minded, reasonable person with some common sense watching at home might like to ask if they were sitting in my position,” she said.

“I’ve tried to shut down wafflers, call out bullshit, hold powerful people to account, expose lies, incompetence and exaggeration in all political parties and on all issues, and present facts, even when they’re unpopular or inconvenient.”

The Walkley Award-winner joined the ABC in 1995 and has acted as NSW state political reporter, national security correspondent, Washington correspondent and host of Lateline.

Over the years she has interviewed world leaders, artists and cultural icons, including Hillary Clinton, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, Sir Paul McCartney, Patti Smith and Salman Rushdie.

Guests on the program have included world leaders, artists and cultural icons. Picture: AFP / Mandel NGAN

However, Ms Sales said one of the most memorable was with Matthew Low, whose wife was killed in the Dreamworld rollercoaster accident.

Ms Sales said he “somehow found the strength down the track to do an interview to try to ensure no other family would ever have to go through what his did”.

“People like Matthew are the ones who really stick with you,” she said.

ABC managing director David Anderson said Ms Sales continues to be an asset to the broadcaster.

“Leigh‘s integrity, intellect and courage are evident in everything she does,” he said.

“Our audiences have always seen Leigh as a journalist and broadcaster who challenges her subjects and asks the questions we all want answers to. I‘m really looking forward to the next stage of her career here at the ABC.”