‘Brilliant and provocative’ columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle dies aged 66
The writer and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died at the age of 66.
Liddle, a titan of Fleet Street, died at hospital in Middlesbrough on Sunday evening following a short illness.
The journalist, who wrote columns for The Sunday Times, The Spectator and The Sun, was previously the editor of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He was widely known for his thought-provoking, effervescent, humorous and often controversial pieces.
He was also lately a broadcaster on Times Radio on Saturdays.
His children, Wilder, Tyler and Emmy, said in a statement: “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.”
Tributes to Liddle
News UK executive Rebekah Brooks said those at newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Rod Liddle”.
Brooks said: “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.”
Ben Taylor, the 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, the 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.”