Tributes have flooded in for Sunday Times and Sun columnist Rod Liddle who has died at the age of 66 after a short illness.
The writer died at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening, News UK revealed earlier on Monday.
Mr Liddle was a former editor of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme and also had a weekly column in The Spectator, as well as on Times Radio.
The editor-in-chief of The Sun, Victoria Newton, described Mr Liddle as a “brilliant, fearless columnist,” who championed freedom of the press.
Editor of The Sunday Times, Ben Taylor, remarked on Mr Liddle’s “wonderful way with words,” and how he used his “unique talent” to speak to his readers.
Mr Liddle’s children paid tribute to their father, who they said was their guide “on how to live an extraordinary life”.
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.”
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.”
Former BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter John Humphrys remembered his former editor Rod Liddle as “one of a kind”.
Speaking on Radio 4’s PM show, Humphrys, 82, who remained friends with Liddle after he left the BBC, said: “He was an extraordinary journalist, a remarkable man, an utterly brilliant and bonkers editor.
“You never ever knew what to expect from Rod, but my god he had a brain, and he lived radio, live radio, he loved the job, which makes it all the more bizarre, in one sense, that he effectively sacked himself from being editor of the Today programme – but that’s Rod for you.
“He was one of a kind, and if you thought you knew what to expect from him on a particular story or event, or whatever it happened to be, you would almost certainly be wrong because he would almost certainly have different ideas.
“And they would almost always, not always, but almost always, be far better than yours.
“He was inspirational in the best sense of the word… I mean, he was funny, he had a wonderful sense of humour, it drove him mad at times, but the number of times he got sacked and the number of times he sacked me, well, I think it’s probably about equal, really.”
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.”
Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage said the news of Liddle’s death was “extremely sad news”.
In a post on X, which included Mr Farage speaking to a group including Liddle, he said: “Extremely sad news that Rod Liddle is no longer with us. Rod was one of the most prolific columnists Westminster has ever seen. He will be missed.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Rod Liddle’s death was “heartbreaking” and he would be “very much missed”.
She said: “Just heartbreaking to hear the news about Rod Liddle.
“I don’t have the words to express how sad this is.
“For journalism, for his readers and most of all his friends and family.
“Had missed his column and hearing his voice on the radio. Thought he was on a break.
“Rest in peace, Rod. You will be very much missed.”
Journalist and TV personality Piers Morgan wrote on social media: “RIP Rod Liddle, 66. One of Britain’s most fearless, funny and fabulously entertaining journalists.
“Loved reading his brilliantly original columns, and listening to his combative but always well-informed rants on the airwaves.
“A true voice of common sense, and great character.”
