Burley was a founding presenter on Sky News
Sky News presenter Kay Burley has confirmed on social media that he has agreed to step back from her broadcasting role on the network for a “period of reflection”, following the revelation that she and a number of colleagues had broken social distancing rules at a birthday party for Burley last week.
According to the Daily Mail, Burley has been suspended by Sky for six months.
Burley’s 60th birthday party broke Tier 2 regulations, when a group of 10 visited an exclusive members club in Soho, London, the Century Club, and sat on two tables, including Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby.
It’s understood that Rigby has been suspended for three months.
After leaving at 11pm, a smaller group went on to a restaurant, Folie, the owner of which had appeared on Burley’s programme last week. Four then went to an after party at Burley’s house.
The Sky presenter apologised, saying she had only broken the rules because she had “to spend a penny”, and was subsequently taken off Sky’s coronavirus vaccine broadcast.
In her statement on Thursday, Burley said: “I have today agreed with Sky News to step back from broadcasting role for a period of reflection.
“It’s clear to me that we are all in the fight against Covid-19 and that we all have a duty to stick firmly by the rules.
“It doesn’t matter that I thought I was covid-compliant on a recent social event. The fact is I was wrong, I made a mistake and I am sorry.
“Some dear friends and colleagues – some of the most talented and committed professionals in our business – have been pulled into this episode and I regret this enormously.
“I was one of the founding presenters of Sky news. No one is prouder of our channel’s reputation, the professionals on our team, and the impact we make.
“I very much look forward to being able to continue my 32-year career with Sky when I return.”
Hello everyone,
News about me. Thanks for all your kind wishes. pic.twitter.com/6LDNVB9Cns— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) December 10, 2020
Prior to Burley’s statement, all of the Sky staff present were said to have been facing an internal inquiry into their conduct.
