The national broadcaster’s current affairs chief political correspondent Sabra Lane is set to replace political editor Chris Uhlmann, who announced his departure on Tuesday.

“I’m stepping back from the day-to-day,” Uhlmann told Crikey.

Canberra-based Uhlmann is reportedly leaving 7.30 to develop, produce and write an ABC series which focuses on the Labor Party during the Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard eras.

Uhlmann, who is married to Federal Labor MP Gai Brodtmann, has been with the program since 2008 after completing a cadetship at the Fairfax-owned The Canberra Times at the age of 29.

7.30 host Leigh Sales broke the news of his departure on Twitter.

“My colleague [Chris Uhlmann] has been a magnificent Political Editor at #abc730 and I will miss him enormously as he moves to new projects. But I’m delighted to welcome the talented and sharp-as-nails [Sabra Lane] as the program’s new Political Editor,” she posted.

Lane, a seasoned political news veteran with more than 20-years experience, tweeted soon after.

“Thank you for the lovely messages, I’m looking forward to 7.30.”

Ratings wise, 7.30 is Aunty’s golden child.

Monday’s episode was watched by just over one million viewers in the five capital cities.