Laura Kuenssberg is reportedly in talks to step down as BBC political editor.

The journalist is negotiating stepping away from her role of the past six years as part of a major reshuffle of the BBC’s on-air staff, The Guardian reports.

It's thought she would make the move to become a presenter on the Today programme.

Her departure would leave open the key role of political editor at a time when the future of the BBC licence fee is being negotiated.

The deal is yet to be signed off, according to the reports, and there is no official timeframe of Ms Kuenssberg's departure.

It comes as part of a reshuffle of leading BBC journalists, with Jon Sopel announcing plans to step down as North America editor. 

He is tipped to be replaced in Washington DC by Sarah Smith.

A BBC spokesperson would not be drawn on The Guardian report releasing a statement instead focusing on the broadcaster’s efforts to appoint a new North America editor.

The statement read: “The North America editor role is currently being advertised internally and the role will go through the normal recruitment process; it’s a bit soon to start speculating about the outcome of this, let alone other jobs which aren’t actually vacant."

Kuenssberg has been a contentious figure during her tenure as political editor, a time which including the Brexit referendum and two general elections.

She faced accusations of bias from across the political spectrum through the UK’s departure from the EU, and amid concerns for her safety was forced to attend the autumn party conference season with a bodyguard.