Sunday Times and Sun columnist Rod Liddle has died aged 66 after a short illness, his family has announced.
The veteran journalist worked in the media industry for decades, where he started his career at South Wales Echo. During his extensive career, he wrote for The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Spectator and The Sun and hosted his own Times Radio show.
Liddle died at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening.
In a statement issued by News UK, his children Wilder, Tyler and Emmy said: “We’re all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father. He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humorous.
“Even in hospital in the last few weeks, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show.
“He has left a legacy that we are all incredibly proud of, he will always be our guide on how to live an extraordinary life.”
Liddle, a former editor of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, was no stranger to controversy over the course of his career and was the first journalist to have an online blog censured by the press watchdog.
In 2010 a complaint was upheld by the Press Complaints Commission after the writer and columnist claimed on the Spectator website that the “overwhelming majority” of violent crime in London was carried out by young Afro-Caribbean men.
It was while he was editor of Today that Liddle hired Andrew Gilligan, the BBC journalist whose 2003 report claimed the UK government “sexed up” its dossier on Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction.
Liddle left the BBC before Gilligan’s controversial report was broadcast.
He was subsequently a vocal critic of Lord Hutton’s report into the death of weapons expert Dr David Kelly, which cleared the Government of exaggerating the case for war in Iraq.
Liddle also made headlines for his colourful private life, when he left his partner of 11 years, Rachel Royce, with whom he had two children, for his 23-year-old mistress.
The estranged couple waged a public war of words over his affair with Alicia Munckton, a former receptionist at the Spectator magazine.
Liddle went on to present a programme about infidelity, arguing that men are genetically pre-programmed to be unfaithful.
Rebekah Brooks, CEO of News UK, said: “Everyone at News UK is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Rod Liddle. Rod was an inimitable journalistic force – brilliant, provocative and immensely talented – whose sharp wit and uncompromising voice graced our pages and airwaves for decades.
“Whether writing for The Sunday Times and The Sun or broadcasting on Times Radio, he challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism.
“Rod will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues at News, as well as by his many readers, listeners and viewers. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
Ben Taylor, editor of The Sunday Times, said: “Rod Liddle had a wonderful way with words and used his unique talent to speak for the readers, highlighting the cant and absurdity that bedevils modern life. He was also supremely entertaining and for years his column was the first that many turned to every Sunday. We will miss him desperately.”
Victoria Newton, editor-in-chief of The Sun, said: “Rod was a brilliant, fearless columnist who was much loved by all at The Sun.
“A champion of press freedom, no topic was off-limits, and his writing – as funny as it was excoriating – was simply exceptional.
“A terrific observer of the frailties of our political class, he will be remembered for his razor sharp wit and for his huge intellect.
“But on The Sun floor he will also be remembered for his warmth and humour and for the belly laughs we had at his wildly entertaining lunches and dinners where he would hold court.
“He will be hugely missed by The Sun’s staff and by his many, many loyal readers.”
Tim Levell, programme director of Times Radio, said: “Rod burst out of the speakers when he started his show on Times Radio. Listeners already knew about his wit and his proudly anti-conventional views.
“But his wide learning, dedication and comedic timing were a delight and surprise to many. His show brightened Saturday mornings enormously and he will be greatly missed.”
