Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died aged 66 after a short illness, his family has announced.
Liddle’s children paid tribute to their father, who they described as their guide “on how to live an extraordinary life”, while CEO of News UK, Rebekah Brooks, called him “an inimitable journalistic force.”
Brooks added that “he challenged conventional thinking and left an indelible mark on British journalism.”
Liddle, a columnist for the Sun and the Sunday Times, died at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening.
A former editor of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, he also had a weekly column in the Spectator, as well as a show on Times Radio.
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.”
‘One of a kind’
Speaking to Radio 4’s PM programme, former Today presenter John Humphrys described Liddle as “inspirational” and “simply unique”.
“He was an extraordinarily journalist, a remarkable man, an utterly brilliant and bonkers editor – you never knew what to expect from Rod,” Humphrys said.
“He was one of a kind, and if you thought you knew what to expect from him on a particular story or event, you would almost certainly be wrong, because he would almost certainly have different ideas, and they would almost always be far better than yours.”
In her statement, Brooks 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.
“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.”
‘No topic off-limits’
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.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear of the death of former BBC journalist, producer and Today editor, Rod Liddle. He led the flagship Radio 4 programme during an extraordinary time in British politics and through a series of award-winning investigations.
“Rod has left a substantial mark on the world of journalism. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Controversial opinions
Liddle was no stranger to controversy and often split opinion.
He was the first journalist to have an online blog censured by the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), the forerunner to IPSO.
In 2010 a complaint was upheld by the PCC after he claimed on the Spectator website that the “overwhelming majority” of violent crime in London was carried out by young Afro-Caribbean men.
Critics accused Liddle of having misogynist and racist views over some of the contents of other Spectator columns. He said he was provoking debate or being satirical about many of his subjects.
The magazine was prosecuted in 2012 for breaching a court order over an article written by Liddle during the trial of Stephen Lawrence’s killers.
The article claimed the two defendants would not get a fair trial.
The magazine paid a fine of £3,000 plus £2,000 in compensation after pleading guilty to breaching a court order during the case.
In 2019, Liddle used his column to suggest planning elections for a time when Muslims cannot vote.
He used the same column to apparently mock the then Labour MP Rosie Duffield – now an independent MP – after she spoke about a previous abusive relationship she had while discussing domestic abuse legislation.
