She’s not a successor if she’s temporary. I have seen this phraseology directed at men as well as women by journalists. Still, perhaps insertion of the word “permanent” might have made things less contentious.

I agree with Jenny- its used here for example about a male boss of a company who will remain finance director as well ‘until a successor is found’, I don’t think its that significant. The concept is something that I think is very familiar too- afterall its what in football is meant by a caretaker manager. Kampfner resigned- possibly out of the blue and who better to replace him temporarily than his deputy whilst they open applications for his job. I’m cautious about inferring too much from what is a one off moment as well.