LONDON — Famed for his combative questions, disdainful delivery and lack of deference, Jeremy Paxman, one of Britain’s best-known broadcasters, made his last appearance Wednesday on the TV program he has dominated for a quarter of a century.

A scourge of obfuscating politicians, Mr. Paxman is renowned for his refusal to accept waffling or platitudes from lawmakers and once embarrassed a cabinet minister by asking him the same question 12 times.

Mr. Paxman, 64, has worked since 1989 as an anchor of “Newsnight,” a BBC news and current affairs show that combines reporting with studio discussion and is broadcast each weeknight.

While the show has had several distinguished anchors during its lifetime, none has owned it like Mr. Paxman, some of whose interviews have entered broadcast mythology. Among the best known was an encounter in 1997 with Michael Howard, then Britain’s home secretary.