Rod Liddle’s children paid tribute to their father, who was their guide ‘on how to live an extraordinary life’
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. His three children, Wilder, Tyler and Emmy, issued a statement via News UK expressing their sadness at the loss of their father.
“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 was all the things politicians love to hate when it came to speaking truth to power.
A former editor of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, courted controversy over the course of his career, becoming 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.
While he was editor of Today, 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 had left the BBC before Gilligan’s controversial report was broadcast.
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.
Liddle went on to present a programme about infidelity, arguing that men are genetically pre-programmed to be unfaithful.
In his time at The Spectator, Liddle became known for his controversial views, which sparked multiple accusations of misogyny and racism. 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, claiming 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 had previously used the same column to apparently mock Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who spoke out about a previous abusive relationship she had while discussing domestic abuse legislation.
The MP paid tribute to Liddle in a post on X which read: “We just lost someone I would never in a million years have been expected to be friends with, or probably even to have made peace with.
“A larger than life ‘Marmite’ character, controversial, sometimes infuriating, but terribly witty, sharp and fun.
“And capable of extreme kindness, empathy and charm, especially in private. Gone far too soon. Desperately sad news.”
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 echoed Farage’s sentiments and called Liddle’s death “heartbreaking”.
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.”
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.”