For six years, Fiona Bruce has been the unflappable anchor of BBC One’s Question Time, steering the iconic political debate show through turbulent waters with her trademark poise and precision. Since taking the helm in January 2019, succeeding the legendary David Dimbleby, Bruce has moderated countless fiery exchanges, navigating complex political landscapes and contentious audience questions with sharp wit and impeccable timekeeping. Yet, as her tenure stretches into its seventh year, a growing chorus of voices—on social media, among viewers, and even within media circles—questions whether it’s time for the veteran broadcaster to step aside and pass the baton. Is Fiona Bruce still the right fit for Question Time, or is the show itself in need of a radical overhaul to stay relevant in an era of polarized politics and fleeting attention spans?

The Rise of Fiona Bruce: A New Era for Question Time

When Fiona Bruce was announced as the new host of Question Time in December 2018, it marked a historic moment. She became the first woman to take on the role full-time in the program’s 40-year history, a milestone celebrated as a step forward for gender representation in broadcasting. Bruce, already a household name for her work on BBC News at Six, Antiques Roadshow, and Crimewatch, brought a formidable resume to the table. Her polished delivery, authoritative presence, and ability to connect with audiences made her a natural choice to succeed Dimbleby, who had chaired the show for a staggering 25 years.

Bruce’s early episodes were praised for their brisk pace and confident moderation. She tackled high-profile guests—from controversial figures like Laurence Fox and Jordan Peterson to political heavyweights like Nigel Farage—with a no-nonsense approach, ensuring that debates remained robust yet civil. Her ability to manage time, giving both panelists and audience members a fair chance to speak, earned her admiration from viewers accustomed to Dimbleby’s more measured style. Yet, as the political climate grew increasingly fractious, Bruce’s role became one of the most challenging in British television.

The Challenges of Moderating Question Time

Question Time is no ordinary program. Airing weekly on BBC One, it brings together politicians, activists, and commentators to answer questions from a live audience, reflecting the political pulse of the nation. The show’s format—unchanged since its debut in 1979—thrives on spontaneity, with audience members posing unfiltered questions that often spark heated debates. For Bruce, the task is akin to herding cats: she must maintain order, ensure fairness, and keep the conversation on track, all while under intense scrutiny from viewers who dissect every word and gesture for signs of bias.

The role has always been a lightning rod for criticism, but in today’s polarized media landscape, the pressure is relentless. Social media platforms amplify every perceived misstep, with Bruce frequently accused of bias from all sides—some call her a “left-wing mouthpiece,” others claim she leans “pro-Tory” or “anti-Brexit.” In one memorable instance, she was simultaneously labeled as “to the right of Genghis Khan” and “left of Trotsky” in tweets posted during a single episode, a testament to the impossible tightrope she walks. Bruce herself has acknowledged the challenge, stating in a 2024 interview that Question Time is “without doubt the hardest job I’ve ever done,” a sentiment echoed by her comment that no one would have considered her for the role a decade earlier due to the male-dominated landscape of political broadcasting.

Controversies and Criticism

Bruce’s tenure has not been without controversy. One of the most significant flashpoints came in 2023 during a discussion about allegations of domestic violence involving Stanley Johnson, father of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. When journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown referenced Johnson’s alleged history of violence, Bruce interjected to note that Johnson’s friends had described the incident as a “one-off.” The comment sparked immediate backlash, with critics, including Labour MP Kate Osborne and Women’s Aid, accusing her of downplaying domestic abuse. Bruce later apologized, explaining that she was “required to legally contextualize” the statement to provide balance, but the incident led to her stepping back from her role as an ambassador for the domestic violence charity Refuge, a position she had held for over 25 years. The episode underscored the delicate balance Question Time hosts must strike between impartiality and sensitivity.

More recently, in 2025, Bruce faced accusations of bias during a heated exchange with Reform UK’s Richard Tice. Clips of her threatening to “gag” Tice went viral, prompting outrage from some viewers who called her conduct “disgraceful.” Others criticized the show’s audience selection, alleging a left-leaning bias, while some argued that Bruce’s interruptions favored certain panelists over others. These incidents highlight a broader issue: in an age of soundbites and social media outrage, Question Time struggles to satisfy an audience with deeply entrenched views, and Bruce often bears the brunt of their frustration.

Is It Time for a Change?

Calls for Bruce to step down have grown louder in recent years, with some arguing that her approach—while professional—lacks the gravitas or political acumen of her predecessors. Critics suggest that other BBC heavyweights, such as Amol Rajan, Emily Maitlis, or Laura Kuenssberg, might bring a fresh perspective to the role. Rajan’s incisive interviewing style, Maitlis’s ruthless questioning, or Kuenssberg’s political insider knowledge could reinvigorate the program, they argue. Others, however, contend that the issue lies not with Bruce but with Question Time itself. The show’s format, unchanged for over four decades, feels increasingly outdated in an era where news is consumed in 30-second clips on social media. Some viewers have called for a shake-up, suggesting panels of experts rather than politicians or a focus on younger voices to reflect the challenges of the 21st century.

Bruce’s defenders, however, argue that she remains a steady hand in a stormy sea. Her ability to manage volatile debates, maintain impartiality, and engage with audiences across the political spectrum is no small feat. The BBC has stood by her, emphasizing her role in upholding the show’s commitment to giving the public a platform to hold the powerful to account. Bruce herself has expressed pride in Question Time’s role as a vital democratic tool, particularly in an age of misinformation and declining trust in journalism. She has also highlighted efforts to diversify the show’s panelists, balancing gender, age, and ethnic backgrounds while ensuring representation from major political parties.

The Road Ahead

As Question Time approaches its 46th year, the question of its future looms large. Bruce, now 61, earns between £405,000 and £409,000 annually for her BBC roles, a figure that underscores her value to the corporation. Yet, the relentless pace of the show and the unrelenting scrutiny it attracts may take a toll. In a 2024 interview, Bruce hinted at the evolving dynamics within the BBC, noting the progress made by women in journalism and the increasing diversity among news presenters. Her comments suggest a willingness to adapt, but whether she can—or should—continue to weather the storm is an open question.

The broader challenge for Question Time is staying relevant in a fragmented media landscape. The show’s traditional format, rooted in the idea of democratic accountability, struggles to compete with the immediacy of online platforms. Proposals to take Question Time to new audiences, such as a planned episode in the United States ahead of their 2024 election, signal an ambition to evolve. Yet, without a fundamental rethink, the program risks becoming a relic of a bygone era.

Conclusion: A Crossroads for Fiona Bruce and Question Time

Fiona Bruce’s tenure on Question Time has been a remarkable chapter in the show’s storied history. Her professionalism, resilience, and ability to navigate complex debates have cemented her as a worthy successor to Dimbleby, yet the challenges of the role—amplified by a polarized society and a relentless social media spotlight—raise questions about her longevity. Is it time for Bruce to step aside, allowing a new voice to take the reins? Or is the real issue the show itself, clinging to a format that no longer resonates with modern audiences? As Question Time grapples with its identity, one thing is certain: Fiona Bruce’s legacy as its first female host will endure, whether she continues to steer the ship or hands it over to the next captain.