Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle dies aged 66

ByEmma Saunders

Culture reporter

Newspaper columnist and broadcaster Rod Liddle has died aged 66 after a short illness.

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 was a columnist on the Sunday Times and the Sun and 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."

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."

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 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.

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."