Andrew Marr has announced he will be leaving the BBC after 21 years.

The veteran presenter has said he is “keen to get my own voice back”.

The 62-year-old will now focus on writing and presenting political and cultural shows for the media company Global and writing for newspapers.

Marr joined the BBC in May 2000 as political editor and has spent 16 years presenting The Andrew Marr Show.

Andrew Marr issues statement over decision to leave BBC

Speaking on Twitter, Marr said: “Personal announcement. After 21 years, I have decided to move on from the BBC. l leave behind many happy memories and wonderful colleagues.

“But from the New Year I am moving to Global to write and present political and cultural shows, and to write for newspapers.

“I think British politics and public life are going to go through an even more turbulent decade, and as I’ve said, I am keen to get my own voice back.

“I have been doing the Andrew Marr Show every Sunday morning for 16 years now and that is probably more than enough time for anybody!”